The turnaround the White Sox put together in 2026 has been nothing short of remarkable. After losing 100-plus games in three consecutive seasons, Chicago clinched a postseason spot with its 82nd win on Sept. 24, securing the franchise’s first winning season since 2021.
The White Sox became the first team to make the playoffs after losing 100-plus games in at least two straight seasons. All-Star sluggers Munetaka Murakami and Miguel Vargas broke out for the upstart South Siders, keying a young roster that came together for a historic feat.
Here's a breakdown of how 100-loss teams have fared in subsequent seasons during the Expansion Era.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, only teams during the Expansion Era (1961-present) are included here for the sake of consistency with the 162-game schedule. Shortened seasons such as 1981, 1994, 1995 and 2020 are not included.
How many teams lost 100 or more games from 1961 to the present?
A total of 96 teams have lost 100 or more games in a season since the start of the Expansion Era in 1961.
What is the average win total for those teams the following season?
Through the end of the 2025 season, teams posted an average win total of 68 the year after losing 100 games.
How many teams finished the season after they lost 100 or more games with a record above .500?
Of the 91 teams with 100 or more losses from 1961-2023, 14 finished the next season above .500:
2025-26 White Sox (60-102 to TBD)
2023-24 Royals (56-106 to 86-76)
2022-23 Reds (62-100 to 82-80)
2021-22 Orioles (52-110 to 83-79)
2016-17 Twins (59-103 to 85-77)
2008-09 Mariners (61-101 to 85-77)
1988-89 Orioles (54-107 to 87-75)
1985-86 Giants (62-100 to 83-79)
1985-86 Cleveland (60-102 to 84-78)
1979-80 Athletics (54-108 to 83-79)
1973-74 Rangers (57-105 to 84-76-1)
1966-67 Cubs (59-103 to 87-74-1)
1962-63 Cubs (59-103 to 82-80)
1961-62 Phillies (47-107 to 81-80)
The highest win total among these teams belongs to the 1967 Cubs and 1989 Orioles, who each won 87 games after losing 100-plus the prior season. The largest year-over-year increase in wins belongs to the 1962 Phillies, who went from 47 wins the previous season to 81 the next, representing an increase of 34 wins.
How many teams with 100-plus losses one season reached the postseason the next?
That would be three: The 2026 White Sox joined the 2017 Twins and the 2024 Royals in this club.
The Twins reached the playoffs with an 85-77 record after going 59-103 the prior season. Minnesota lost the AL Wild Card Game to the Yankees that October.
The Royals earned an AL Wild Card berth with an 86-76 record, improving upon a 56-106 mark the year before. Kansas City swept the Wild Card series over the Orioles but then fell to the Yankees in the ALDS.
Note: The Marlins, who reached the postseason during the shortened 2020 season after losing 105 games in 2019, are excluded here.