DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JUNE 19: A detail of the Chicago White Sox, MLB and Nike logos on a uniform against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 19, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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The Chicago White Sox are in the Major League postseason for the first time since 2021
The White Sox will now play the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Division Series, following a two-game sweep of the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round.
The White Sox will take on Cleveland for the first Division Series game at 1PM EST Saturday, October 5.
The White Sox entered the playoffs after finishing second to Cleveland in the American League Central Division.
The White Sox last postseason victory was in 2005, when they defeated the Houston Astros in the World Series.
This White Sox season has been remarkable.
As noted by baseball reference.com, the White Sox lost 100 or more games the past three seasons.
baseballreference.com also notes that attendance this year at Chicago’s Rate Field increased to 1,986,425, compared to 1,445,758 in 2026.
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 22: Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of an MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals on Sep 22, 2026 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The White Sox started slowly, but came on strong.
As espn.com noted in a September 24 article, “Even midway through April, they were living up to most folks’ expectations, starting 6-13 and looking every bit the part of a perennial loser.”
“But then their youngsters started slugging, and the White Sox started piling up wins.”
That last sentence says it all.
Their youngsters did, indeed, start slugging.
espn.com noted the following statistics regarding White Sox hitting leaders:
Japanese international free agent, Munetaka Murakami, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract in December, hit 35 homers, and drove in 77 runs in the regular season.
The left-handed hitting Murakami is still just 26-years-old.
Murakami led a White Sox team that hit 211 home runs.
All Star infielder Miguel Vargas, 26, was a force at the plate.
Vargas hit 33 home runs, the most of his career. Last year, Vargas hit 16 home runs. He also drove in a career high 93 runs, or 33 more than in 2025. Not to mention that Vargas scored 106 runs, up from 80 last season.
Shortstop Colson Montgomery chipped in 31 homers, and 87 RBIs off his own. He had some very clutch hits for the team.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 29: Tristan Peters #29 of the Chicago White Sox reacts after striking out in the first inning against the Houston Astros in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on September 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Chicago White Sox Had Late Inning Heroics:
On August 23, mlb.com stated, “(Tristan) Peters ninth home run also stood as the White Sox 11th walk-off win this season by eight different players, with five of them being of the long ball variety and three…coming from Peters.”
In essence, the White Sox were rarely out of a game this year.
As White Sox manager Will Venable told mlb.com, “Walk-offs mean good things happen, obviously. And yet, another example of these guys just continuing to battle.”
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 30: Jordan Hicks #44 of the Chicago White Sox pitches during Game Two of the American League Wild Card Series presented by AbbVie between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Chicago White Sox Secret Weapons In The Wild Card Series:
-The White Sox had eight hits with runners in scoring position during their Wild Card sweep of the Astros.
-The White Sox pitchers managed to keep Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez in check.
A tremendous hitter, Alvarez hit 42 homers, and drove in 106 runs in the regular season. He scored 105 runs. He did not have a home run, or drive in a run in the Wild Card games. In fact, Alvarez had only one hit in the two games. That was a single.
-The White Sox had some major moments that changed the games in their favor.
Luisangel Acuna, on the playoff roster for his ability to steal bases, did just that in game 2 of the Wild Card series.
Acuna entered the game as a pinch-runner for Andrew Benintendi in the top of the 6th inning. Acuna promptly stole second and third bases. He scored, along with Tristan Peters on a huge, 3-run homer by second baseman Chase Meidroth.
-The White Sox pitching was outstanding in both Wild Card games.
In particular, Jordan Hicks gave manager Will Venable great outings in both games.
As outstanding, veteran White Sox color commentator Steve Stone noted on the Peacock telecast, Hicks has changed his arm angle. As a result, he is throwing more strikes.
Hicks can easily touch 100 miles-per-hour on his fastball, elevating the pitch as the at-bat progresses.
Chicago White Sox Are Ready For The Next Challenge:
Bring on the Cleveland Guardians.
Now, the Chicago White Sox will face division rival Cleveland in the American League Division Series.
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