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MLB playoff standings took a dramatic turn Thursday as the Chicago White Sox secured an American League wild-card berth, completing one of the most surprising turnarounds in recent baseball history. Chicago defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-1 at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 24, 2026, guaranteeing the club a place in the postseason.
The achievement was historic. The White Sox became the first team in major league history to reach the playoffs after consecutive 100-loss seasons. Chicago had also endured 324 losses over the previous three campaigns, including a post-1900 record 121-loss season just two years ago.
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Rather than celebrating wildly on the field, the White Sox formed a handshake line after the final out. The real party began inside the visiting clubhouse, where players sprayed champagne and celebrated an unexpected postseason breakthrough.
“This means a lot for us,” Miguel Vargas said, according to ESPN News Services. “We’ve been chasing this moment for a long time. It’s special for us, the whole organization and this group of guys.”
Chicago entered the season with expectations of finishing last in the American League Central. The team opened the year 6-13 and looked destined for another difficult campaign. However, a young lineup began producing consistently, transforming the White Sox into one of baseball’s biggest surprises.
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Several young hitters have driven Chicago’s rise through the American League playoff picture. Munetaka Murakami, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract in December, entered Thursday with 33 home runs and 74 RBIs. Vargas also had 33 homers and 92 RBIs while receiving consideration in the American League MVP conversation.
Colson Montgomery added 31 home runs and 87 RBIs, helping offset his league-leading strikeout total. On Thursday, Montgomery tied Mark Reynolds’ single-season record with 223 strikeouts, but his power has remained a major part of Chicago’s success.
The trade that sent left-handed ace Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox in December 2024 has also paid major dividends. Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Braden Montgomery, all acquired in that deal, were in Chicago’s lineup during the clinching victory.
- Kyle Teel: Hit a home run, reached base five times and scored three runs.
- Chase Meidroth: Collected two hits and extended his on-base streak to 15 games.
- Braden Montgomery: Recorded a hit and scored during Chicago’s early offensive surge.
The White Sox scored three runs in the second inning, opening a 6-0 advantage after two frames. They led 8-0 after four innings before completing the 9-1 victory and securing their postseason ticket.
White Sox Still Chasing the American League Central
Although the wild-card berth is secured, Chicago’s regular season is far from finished. The White Sox began Thursday just one game behind the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. Cleveland was scheduled to finish a three-game series in Boston later that day, while Chicago prepared to return home for three games against the Colorado Rockies.
The Guardians then faced a weekend series against Kansas City, giving the Royals an indirect role in the division race. Chicago manager Will Venable said the club enjoyed the celebration but understood that bigger goals remained.
“We’ll have a fun plane ride, but then back to business tomorrow,” Venable said.
That focus explains why Chicago’s players avoided an extended on-field celebration in Kansas City. A division title would provide an even bigger moment, especially after the team’s improbable climb through the MLB playoff standings.
Chicago Cubs Add to Historic Day
Thursday was also memorable for the other major league team in Chicago. The Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 2-1 and clinched a National League wild-card spot on the same day as the White Sox.
It marked only the fourth time both Chicago teams reached the postseason in the same year, following 1906, 2008 and 2020. However, this was the first time they clinched their berths on the same day.
The Cubs also returned to the playoffs for a second consecutive season, while the White Sox completed a turnaround few analysts predicted. Chicago had been listed as a 16-1 long shot to reach the postseason before the year began, tied for the second-longest odds behind Colorado.
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The White Sox’s clinching victory reshapes the American League wild-card race and adds another dangerous contender to the October field. Chicago’s combination of young power, improved depth and confidence could make the team difficult to overlook in a short postseason series.
For now, the White Sox are celebrating a historic achievement while keeping their attention on the division. As Munetaka Murakami put it, “This is not the end. We’re going to start from here.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the White Sox clinch a playoff berth?
Yes. Chicago secured no worse than one of the American League’s three wild-card spots with a 9-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 24, 2026.
Why was the White Sox playoff berth historic?
The White Sox became the first major league team to reach the playoffs after consecutive 100-loss seasons.
Are the White Sox still competing for the division title?
Yes. Chicago began Thursday just one game behind the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central and still has a chance to win the division.
Did the Chicago Cubs also make the playoffs?
Yes. The Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 2-1 and clinched a National League wild-card berth on the same day as the White Sox.
