The Chicago White Sox secured their place in the American League playoffs on September 24, 2026, after defeating the Kansas City Royals. This victory marked a major milestone for the franchise, as they became the first team in Major League Baseball history to make the postseason following at least three consecutive seasons with 100 or more losses. The team had endured a difficult stretch, including a 121-loss season in 2024 that was one of the worst in modern MLB history. That 121-loss season set a post-1900 MLB record for losses. ABC7 Chicago
Despite their struggles in recent years, the White Sox managed to turn things around and clinch at least a wild-card spot in the AL playoffs, according to ESPN. The team’s performance was highlighted by strong contributions from players like Munetaka Murakami, who hit 33 home runs and drove in 74 runs during the season. Another standout player was Miguel Vargas, who led the team with 33 homers and 92 RBIs, drawing attention for possible MVP consideration. FOX Sports
The White Sox were not just celebrating their playoff spot, but also their journey from rebuilding to competitiveness in a short span of time, according to a report from The Sporting News. Manager Will Venable expressed pride in how the team handled the pressure and expectations that came with this season. He said the players were letting loose after a long and difficult run of seasons, but they still had goals beyond just making the playoffs. Venable said the celebration would be followed by a return to business as the team continued pursuing the division title. Florida Sun Journal
The team’s success came during a day when both teams in Chicago were celebrating their own playoff hopes — the Cubs also clinched a wild-card berth that same day. In the game against Kansas City, the White Sox built an early lead, scoring six runs in the first two innings and eight by the fourth. Players like Teel homered, reached base five times, and scored three runs during the match. Chicago went on to win 9-1 and improved its record to 82-77. StatMuse
Colson Montgomery was also part of the celebration, with champagne dripping from his goggles after the game. Montgomery said that wins were what mattered most to him and the team at this point in the season. Meidroth’s on-base streak extended to 15 games thanks to a strong performance in which he had a couple of hits. Seattle PI
The turnaround also included major contributions from players acquired when the White Sox traded pitcher Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox in December 2024. Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Braden Montgomery were all in the starting lineup for the clinching game. All three played roles in the victory. Seattle PI
Starting pitcher David Sandlin allowed only one run on five hits over six innings. Kyle Teel went 2-for-2 with a home run and three runs scored. Miguel Vargas added two hits and two RBIs as Chicago collected 12 hits in the game. StatMuse
The playoff berth is Chicago’s first since the White Sox won the AL Central in 2021. It also gives the franchise its 12th postseason appearance. MLB.com
Murakami spoke about how the team’s identity was built on coming together and not seeing this as an end point. The White Sox now look ahead to the playoffs with renewed confidence and ambition. They are still chasing a division title, but their playoff berth marks a major turning point in the franchise’s recent history.