The Chicago White Sox are facing a challenging season, currently on track for 109 losses, which would mark the franchise’s second-worst record in history following their infamous 121 losses last year. The low points aren’t isolated; the Colorado Rockies find themselves in a dire situation too, projected for an even more staggering 126 losses.
As these two of Major League Baseball’s most struggling teams prepare to face off in a three-game series at Coors Field in Denver, the numbers are telling. The White Sox arrived at Thursday’s matchup with a 28-59 record—30 games under .500—while the Rockies lagged behind at 20-67.
Historically, the White Sox have made notable improvements despite the grim statistics. This year’s improved performance can be highlighted by the fact that their 28th win arrived much earlier than in the dismal 2024 season, indicating some signs of progress. Conversely, the Rockies have managed to keep pace but still have not made the gains necessary to lift them from the bottom of the standings.
Offensively, both teams struggle mightily. The White Sox finished last season with the fewest runs, home runs, and hits among MLB teams, achieving only 507 runs. In comparison, the Rockies have also faced significant challenges at the plate, ranking near the bottom of the league with only 305 runs scored prior to Thursday’s games. Their collective batting average sits at .229, while the Sox lag slightly behind at .221.
On the pitching front, the White Sox had a lackluster 4.67 ERA last season, while the Rockies have the worst ERA in the majors at 5.50. Denver’s pitching issues have been compounded by poor fielding, with the Rockies finishing with the lowest fielding percentage in MLB at .977.
Both teams have experienced notable losing streaks. The Sox suffered through multiple stretches of ten or more losses last season, culminating in a franchise-record 21-game skid. The Rockies have already switched managers this season, with new leadership coming in after an eight-game losing streak, but they too have endured stretches of poor performance.
Despite the gloom surrounding their current standings, both organizations are working toward rebuilding and rejuvenation. The ongoing series could not only provide a glimpse into the potential for a turnaround but also a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. As the season progresses, both teams have the opportunity to learn and grow from these experiences, potentially paving the way for improved performances in the future.