The 2026 season for the Chicago White Sox ended Saturday with a Game 5 loss to the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. They blew a 2-0 series lead, which stings hard, but let’s be real: after three straight 100-loss seasons, including a record-setting 121-loss campaign in 2024, getting within one win of the ALCS is an overwhelming success, pure and simple. This wasn’t just a good year, folks. This was arguably the best story in baseball.
Baseball’s Biggest Turnaround Is Already Legendary
You can talk about being in the “right place” all you want, but you still gotta go out and win games, right? The White Sox did exactly that, finishing the regular season at 84-78. That was good enough to just miss the AL Central title by one measly game, but it punched their ticket to a wild-card spot. They then faced the 81-win Houston Astros in the Wild Card Series and absolutely crushed them. That set up the ALDS date with the Guardians, where they snagged the first two wins, only to lose three straight. Yeah, that Game 5 sting is real, but let’s not let it overshadow the fact that this team found a way to win after years of being a complete dumpster fire. The transformation from a 121-loss team to one pushing for the ALCS in just two seasons? That’s not just a turnaround, it’s a statement.
These Kids Aren’t Just Prospects, They’re Certified Stars
The best part? This isn’t some one-off fluke. Chicago found so many positives in 2026 that are gonna last for years. We’re talking about a core of young talent that’s already producing. Miguel Vargas, their third baseman, is only 26 and he’s under team control through 2029. He just had a massive breakout season, hitting .250 with 106 runs, 33 homers, 93 RBI, and 22 stolen bases. This dude is already a star, and the source even says there’s another level in him. MVP conversations, anyone? Then there’s Chase Meidroth at second base, who just dropped a 4.5 WAR season and looks like an All-Star lock for next year. He’s locked up through 2031, too. And Colson Montgomery at shortstop? He’s also under control through 2031 and just smacked 31 home runs. All-Star center fielder Tristan Peters is controlled through 2031, as is catcher Kyle Teel. We’re talking about Braden Montgomery, an outfielder, potentially being around through 2032! That’s a serious lineup foundation.
And don’t even get me started on the pitching. Sean Burke had a super nice season and he’s under control through 2030. Grant Taylor, their reliever, is a stud, controlled through 2031. Hagen Smith only has a few months of service time. That’s a boatload of controllable, legit talent. These guys alone might not make them the undisputed best team in baseball just yet, but there’s a ton of room for them to get even better internally.
The season might be over for Chicago, but the vibe heading into the winter has gotta be overwhelmingly positive. They’re looking for ways to improve, which is a scary thought for the rest of the league. After the historic climb they just pulled off, next season is gonna be must-watch baseball.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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