White Sox already out to prove that 2024 failures were not a fluke

The Chicago White Sox made history in 2024. If the early results from spring training mean anything, 2025 may not be much different.

The White Sox dropped to 0-5 during Cactus League play following their 3-1 loss on Wednesday. The White Sox remain the only team that has yet to win a game thus far this spring. Their -26 run differential is the worst of any team, and the White Sox are the only team with a negative run differential in the 20s.

The White Sox have been putrid on both sides of the ball. They have produced a combined .155/.247/.304 batting line in their 179 plate appearances; their .551 OPS ranking last this spring. The pitching side is not much better as White Sox pitchers have a 7.71 ERA and a 1.548 WHiP in 42 innings. Only the Brewers have a higher ERA.

There have been some highlights. Catching prospect Kyle Teel belted a home run on the second pitch he saw from Dodgers' phenom Roki Sasaki on Tuesday. Teel, ranked as the 32nd best prospect in baseball per MLB.com, is part of a promising crew of prospects that the White Sox hope will lead to better days.

The White Sox had seemingly reached the nadir in 2024. They lost a major league record 121 games, beating the mark set by the expansion Mets in 1962. This offseason has been highlighted by a series of one-year or minor league deals to the likes of pitcher Martin Perez, outfielders Michael Taylor and Joey Gallo and first baseman Bobby Dalbec. Pitcher Garrett Crochet was traded to the Red Sox for a package of prospects, including Teel. 

If everything goes according to plan, the White Sox will be able to trade some of their reclamation projects for pieces that will help in the future. Just do not expect 2025 to be drastically better than last season.