The Chicago White Sox have lost 20 consecutive games heading into Monday’s action. They are just a week away from breaking the record for consecutive losses and are on pace for the worst record in baseball history. Manager Pedro Grifol’s job status is now in the rumor mill. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the White Sox considered firing Grifol after the 17th loss and are looking at Skip Schumaker as a potential replacement.
The report highlights a meeting between owner Jerry Reinsdorf, general manager Chris Getz, and Grifol. They discussed the future of the team before the weekend series against the Twins but ultimately decided against firing Grifol. However, the team proceeded to lose all three games to Minnesota, extending the White Sox’s losing streak to 20.
Nightengale also tied current Marlins manager Skip Schumaker with the prospective White Sox opening. The Marlins are anticipated to part ways with Schumaker after this season owing to their dismal performance. After making the playoffs last season, they have baseball’s third-worst record.
Schumaker is relatively inexperienced as a manager, but he could be an excellent fit for the White Sox. The team requires a young face to lead them into a new era. Schumaker is fresh off the field and could be the key to turning around the franchise. The Marlins’ decline can be traced to the trades of Luis Arraez and Jazz Chisholm Jr., rather than Schumaker’s management.
The future of the White Sox
The immediate future of the White Sox might end with them in the record books. If they are swept by the Cubs and Athletics, they will break the AL/NL record for consecutive losses. The all-time record is 26, and the 26th consecutive loss could come next Monday against the Yankees.
The trade deadline saw multiple players head out to playoff teams while prospects populated the system. However, they did not trade their two most valuable pieces: starting pitcher Garrett Crochet and outfielder Luis Robert Jr. Both players could be traded this offseason.
The White Sox should look to the Corbin Burnes trade as a benchmark for what they could receive for Garrett Crochet. The Brewers picked up two MLB-ready prospects in Joey Ortiz and DL Hall when they dealt Burnes to the Orioles. Crochet, with multiple years of team control, could command an even better return.
Luis Robert Jr. has been linked to the Philadelphia Phillies for months. The Phillies’ star-studded lineup is missing a center fielder. While Brandon Marsh has moved over from the corners and Austin Hays has joined for this season, adding Robert could make the Phillies the prohibitive favorite to win the 2025 World Series.
The White Sox’s future may include Skip Schumaker, but it should not include Garrett Crochet and Luis Robert. The team is virtually finished cutting down their roster and filling its prospect pool. With a losing run approaching historical proportions, the White Sox’s future appears gloomy.