As the 2024 Major League Baseball season nears its conclusion, the Chicago White Sox are perilously close to cementing themselves in the annals of baseball history for all the wrong reasons. With their current dismal record, the White Sox are on the verge of tying or surpassing the 1962 New York Mets' infamous record of 120 losses in a single season, the most in modern MLB history.

This season has been nothing short of a disaster for the South Siders. Several factors have contributed to their precipitous decline, making 2024 a year to forget.

Even when healthy, many of the White Sox's top players have failed to live up to expectations. Andrew Vaughn, expected to step up as a leader in the offense, has seen a dip in his power numbers and overall productivity. Yoan Moncada, once a highly-touted top prospect in all MLB, has been consistently injured, but when healthy has been terribly inconsistent at the plate. Eloy Jimenez, Designated Hitter only had 5 home runs before he was traded mid-season. No team will have a lower slugging percentage, on-base percentage, or fewer home runs this season. The lack of offensive output has been a major reason for the team's inability to stay competitive in games, leading to their league-worst run differential.

The problems in Chicago extend beyond the field. The White Sox's front office has been widely criticized for poor roster construction and questionable trades. The current General Manager, Chris Getz was hired without interviewing any other candidate despite never serving in that role. He finally fired skipper Pedro Grifol and temporarily assigned Grady Sizemore to that job. Neither had any previous MLB managerial experience. Moreover, their managerial decisions have come under fire, with many questioning the handling of the bullpen and the inconsistent lineup choices. Last, but not least, the decision to part with key veterans such as ace Dylan Cease, while failing to adequately replace them has left the team with a lack of depth. These missteps have only exacerbated the team's on-field struggles.

Reports from inside the clubhouse suggest a fractured environment where team chemistry is severely lacking. Disputes between players, as well as a disconnect between the coaching staff and the roster, have created a toxic atmosphere. Some pitchers were reported to be sleeping in the bullpen during last year’s games. This lack of cohesion has translated into poor performance on the field, as the team has failed to rally or show resilience in the face of adversity.

The White Sox have suffered through multiple losing streaks of 10 or more games this season, including a franchise-record 21-game skid that tied the American League record for the longest losing streak in history. In total, they have endured three losing streaks of at least 10 games, an unprecedented feat that has contributed significantly to their league-worst record. The team has been outscored by their opponents by over 300 runs, one of the worst run differentials in MLB history.

The White Sox's winning percentage, which currently sits around near .220, is dangerously close to setting the record for the worst in the modern era. If they continue on this path, they could finish with the lowest winning percentage since the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics, who posted a .235 mark.

For White Sox fans, the 2024 season is one they will want to erase from memory. However, as the team teeters on the edge of making unwanted history, the painful reality of their struggles will likely linger long after the season ends. With significant changes needed both on and off the field, the White Sox face an uncertain future as they attempt another rebuild and move past this historically awful season.