MLB power rankings: Losers of 20 in a row, White Sox push for worst record ever

2024-12-20 06:04:44 My

Forget the 1962 Mets and last year's Athletics and the 2003 Tigers and any number of potential WOATs (Worst Of All Time) that Major League Baseball has produced in the past half-century.

These Chicago White Sox are a threat to the game's ancient history.

The White Sox ran their losing streak to 20 games with three more losses against Minnesota and are now one shy of the American League record, set by the 1988 Baltimore Orioles. Three more losses, and they'll tie the 1961 Phillies with a 23-game losing streak, longest in major league history.

Needless to say, the 27-87 White Sox have a permanent lease on No. 30 in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings, what with No. 29, the 41-71 Colorado Rockies, holding a mere 17 ½ game lead on them.

But Chicago's futility is almost immeasurable. The White Sox's losing percentage has dwindled to .237, worse than the .262 mark the expansion 1962 Mets compiled when they set a record with 120 losses. As such, the White Sox are now on pace for 123 losses, which would shatter the Mets' mark.

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That would leave just one low point in sight: The 1916 Philadelphia A's, who lost 117 games but mercifully competed in an era when they played just 154 a year. Their .235 winning percentage (or .765 losing percentage) remains the worst in the modern era.

Who says there's nothing to play for this summer on the South Side?

A look at our updated rankings:

1. Cleveland Guardians (+1)

Alex Cobb not far away from helping the rotation.

2. Baltimore Orioles (+1)

Jackson Holliday looks like a different dude on his second big league tour.

3. Philadelphia Phillies (-2)

Just a dog days lull, right? Right??

4. New York Yankees (+1)

Reliever Mark Leiter Jr. looking like a fabulous deadline pickup.

5. Milwaukee Brewers (+1)

Have already utilized 36 pitchers, and 17 starters.

6. Los Angeles Dodgers (-2)

Relievers posting a 4.96 ERA since break after a 3.42 mark in first half.

7. Minnesota Twins (+1)

Royce Lewis has amassed 1.5 WAR in just 33 games.

8. Atlanta Braves (-1)

Jorge Soler gives them a leadoff option and more power – but also two DHs.

9. Kansas City Royals (+1)

Only Aaron Judge keeping Bobby Witt Jr. from MVP frontrunner status.

10. Boston Red Sox (-1)

Tanner Houck has a 6.88 ERA in three starts since All-Star Game.

11. San Diego Padres (+1)

They gotta make the playoffs, if only to see that Tanner Scott-helmed bullpen cook in October.

12. Arizona Diamondbacks (+1)

Paul Sewald out as closer; Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, A.J. Puk should all get opportunities.

13. Houston Astros (-2)

As Kyle Tucker shifts to 60-day IL, still no timeline for return from shin injury.

14. Seattle Mariners (+1)

Randy Arozarena nine for his first 27 in Seattle – not a moment too soon for punchless club.

15. New York Mets (-)

Top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat now just a phone call away at Class AAA.

16. St. Louis Cardinals (-)

Dose of Tommy Pham might be just what the deadline doctor ordered.

17. Tampa Bay Rays (-)

Have won five of seven since getting branded "sellers." Or maybe they simply know what they're doing.

18. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)

Bryan Reynolds has hit 11 home runs the past two months, eight of them tiebreaking or erasing a deficit.

19. San Francisco Giants (+1)

Matt Chapman's 17 home runs in 110 games equals the amount he hit in 140 games last year.

20. Texas Rangers (-2)

Pitching implodes in 2-7 stretch.

21. Cincinnati Reds (+1)

Hunter Greene extends scoreless streak to 21 innings.

22. Detroit Tigers (-1)

Jim Leyland gets deserved day in the sun at Comerica Park.

23. Chicago Cubs (-)

Park factors will matter, but it won't be a great look if Isaac Paredes recedes at Wrigley and Christopher Morel shines in Tampa Bay.

24. Washington Nationals (+1)

They opt to keep Kyle Finnegan, and he rewards them with a 30-save season.

25. Toronto Blue Jays (-1)

File this away for 2025: Since June 25, George Springer's batting .311 with eight homers, .384 OBP, .972 OPS.

26. Los Angeles Angels (-)

The retiring Kevin Pillar looks like he should play five more years.

27. Oakland Athletics (-)

With 28 homers, 81 RBI, Brent Rooker on 40-homer, 116-RBI pace.

28. Miami Marlins (-)

Actually a couple games over .500 since the All-Star break.

29. Colorado Rockies (-)

Just crossed the 1,100-strikeout mark (for hitters). That's the most in NL.

30. Chicago White Sox (-)

They could lose 50 in a row and Pedro Grifol will still get paid $1 million next year.

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