The White Sox’s season came crashing down Saturday night as they lost Game 5 of the American League Division Series, 2-0, to the Guardians.
Despite the loss, the White Sox were a pleasant surprise in 2026. After having three consecutive 100-loss seasons, manager Will Venable guided them to an 84-78 record and their first playoff appearance since 2021.
Venable expects more from his squad in the next few years. Players such as Miguel Vargas, Chase Meidroth and Sean Burke bring a bright future to the Chicago franchise.
“Number one, we are sitting in disappointment, obviously, and it hurts not to be able to advance (to the next round),” Venable said. “That’s what we came to do. So we’re not just happy that we got here. We understand what it takes to get here and have more clarity on what it’s going to take the next time around to go even further.
“It’s just amazing what these guys did. So very proud of our group. The way that they did it, too, in coming to the ballpark every day excited. I told those guys after the game that this was easily the most fun that I’ve had in all my years in Major League Baseball. It’s because of the personalities in that room – the character of the group – and they went out there every day, fought and did things the right way.”
Bill Ladson’s Q&A With Surging Chicago White Sox Manager Will Venable
Chicago couldn’t do anything against Cleveland on Saturday, striking out 21 times – 12 of them coming from right-hander Gavin Williams, who pitched 5 ⅔ innings and allowed just one hit. Chicago didn’t collect its first hit until the sixth inning, when Kyle Teel singled to right field.
It was a heartbreaking loss for the White Sox because they were up, 2-0, in the series, but couldn’t win that third game to advance to the American League Championship Series against the Rays.
“(Williams) attacked us,” Venable said. “A lot of spin in the zone and he had a really good fastball, too. We weren’t able to move enough forward to really put the pressure on him. Obviously he was in command the whole night. So credit to him for having his stuff and attacking us.”
“I thought it was less about chase and more about being attacked in the zone and swing and miss in the zone. Just didn’t have what it took to move some balls forward there. And I think, obviously, the story (was not) being able to put the ball in play, really.”
