MLB longest losing streaks: White Sox become first team in 36 years to lose 21 consecutive games

The White Sox won the first game of their doubleheader against the Twins on July 10, but at 40 games under .500, they still had the worst record in baseball by a fairly significant margin. Nearly four weeks later, that win is still the most recent one they have been able to celebrate.

Plenty has changed in the world of sports and the world in general since the White Sox last won a game. At the time of their most recent win, both Copa America and Euro 2024 were still being played. No one had yet heard Ingrid Andress sing the National Anthem at the Home Run Derby. The MLB trade deadline was still nearly three weeks away. The league has seen two cycles and two no-hitters in the interim.

Joe Biden was still running for president at the time of the White Sox' last win, which came three days before the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Yes, it's been that long since Chicago found the win column. 

The White Sox now have a serious chance to make some history, but it's the wrong kind of history. 

Here's a look at where Chicago ranks among the longest losing streaks in MLB history, as well as a glimpse at the worst records in league history.

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MLB longest losing streaks

All-time

The White Sox are one of seven teams in MLB history, including seasons played before the modern era, to lose 21 consecutive games. The all-time record is 26 consecutive losses by the 1889 Louisville Colonels.

Modern era (1901-present)

The White Sox have a realistic chance of tying or breaking the modern-era losing streak record of 23, which is held by the 1961 Phillies. Chicago is already tied with the 1988 Orioles for the second-longest losing streak of the modern era.

White Sox upcoming schedule

The White Sox can tie the modern-era losing streak record on Wednesday, Aug. 7 against the Athletics and break it on Aug. 9 at home against the Cubs.

Should the win streak extend further, Chicago can tie the all-time record at home against the Yankees on Monday, Aug. 12, and break it on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

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Worst records in MLB history

Modern era (1901-present)

Several teams finished with a sub-.235 record before the start of the modern era in 1901. Here are the worst records since 1901 and how the White Sox currently slot in:

The White Sox' current record of 27-88 gives them the lowest winning percentage in MLB history, slightly ahead of the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (.235). The White Sox are on pace to finish 38-124, which would give them more losses than any team in MLB history. That record is currently held by the 1962 Mets, who went 40-120 in their first season in existence.

The White Sox have to finish at least 36-11 to avoid 100 losses and at least 16-31 to avoid 120 losses. A finish of 11-40 or worse would give Chicago the worst record in MLB history, by winning percentage.