The White Sox made baseball history with their unbelievable playoff berth. 

After clinching an American League postseason spot on Thursday, the Southsiders became the first team ever to reach the playoffs after back-to-back 100-loss seasons. 

Chicago had, in fact, been even worse than that in recent years, losing at least 100 games in each of the last three seasons, including a modern MLB record of 121 losses in 2024. 

Miguel Vargas head back to the dugout after scoring during the first inning of the White Sox’s 9-1 playoff berth-clinching win over the Royals on Sept. 24, 2026 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

They’re also just the third MLB team to lose 100 games and make the postseason a year later. 

It’s the first time the White Sox will play postseason baseball since 2021, when they won the AL Central after going 93-69 during the regular season.

After Thursday’s playoff-clinching 9-1 win over the Royals, Chicago sits at 82-77, which is 22 more victories than they had in 2025, with three games to go. 

The White Sox are still fighting for a division title and first-round bye. 

The White Sox celebrate after clinching a playoff berth after their blowout win over the Royals. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Guardians, who play the Red Sox on Thursday night, sit a half-game up on the White Sox in the AL Central at 82-76. 

Chicago holds the tiebreaker over Cleveland, meaning the White Sox would come out on top in the division if they finish with the same record.

“They have belief in themselves, belief in each other,” White Sox manager Will Venable said according to MLB.com. “That can carry you a long way … These guys continue to believe and whatever the ending is to this one, we all can agree that from the beginning, this group has as much self-belief as any group I’ve seen.”

The White Sox will finish up the regular season with three games at home against the Rockies.