The Chicago White Sox find themselves in a dire situation in the 2024 MLB season, as they face the possibility of making history for all the wrong reasons. With just three wins in their first 22 games, the team's performance seems to mirror that of the infamous 1962 New York Mets, who currently hold the record for the most losses in a single season with 120.

While there have been teams that have come close to challenging the Mets' record, such as the 2003 Tigers, who finished with 119 losses, no team has been able to surpass that mark. However, the White Sox are on track to test the waters of this dubious achievement, with a winning percentage of just .120 compared to the Mets' .250 in 1962.

Facing an uphill battle, the White Sox experienced their eighth shutout of the season after their recent 7-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins. This feat has not been seen before, not even by the '62 Mets, who were only shut out six times throughout their entire season. This raises concerns about the White Sox's ability to generate offense, as they currently have the worst team batting average in the league at .190 and a slugging percentage of .285.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol expressed the mounting challenges his team is facing, acknowledging that the road ahead will not get any easier. The team's struggles at the plate have become increasingly evident, and key injuries to Luis Robert Jr. and Yoan Moncada have further compounded their difficulties.

While there is still hope for a turnaround, history has shown that a poor start does not necessarily guarantee a disastrous season. The Cincinnati Reds, for instance, began their 2019 campaign with a dismal 3-22 record but managed to finish with 62 wins. The Oakland Athletics experienced a similar turnaround in 2023, going from a 5-23 start to a 50-112 record.

It remains to be seen whether the White Sox can reverse their fortunes and avoid the ignominy of surpassing the Mets' record. The statistical analysis of their performance through 22 games suggests a profound struggle, but as the saying goes, "anything can happen in baseball." Time will tell if the White Sox can find the spark needed to turn their season around and avoid a date with baseball infamy.