The Chicago White Sox are coming off three-straight seasons of 100-plus losses and are hoping 2026 goes differently. While they went from 121 losses to 102 from 2024 to 2025, there is some hope for the future in terms of prospects. They also have the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
But through the first week of the season, the White Sox are 1-5 and were swept in the first series in Milwaukee. They followed it up by losing the series down in Miami. A big reason why? Pitching. The pitching for the White Sox has been really bad this season, allowing 52 total runs compared to the 21 that they have scored on offense.
And it’s the worst pitching staff in baseball at the moment.
White Sox pitching has been MLB worst
Looking at the stats, the White Sox are dead last in earned run average through the first week of the season at 8.63. The next closest at No. 29? The Philadelphia Phillies with a 5.46 ERA.
Ouch.
It’s all been bad for the White Sox on the pitching side of things, including starter Shane Smith. In his latest start on Wednesday against the Marlins, Smith gave up eight hits, eight runs with seven earned, two walks and just one strikeout in three innings. That came after a bad start in the season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers as well.
What is going on with Shane Smith????
Through 3 innings:
8 hits
8 runs (7 earned)
2 walks
1 strikeoutSeason ERA & WHIP: 19.29 & 3.21
Is it time to hit the panic button!? pic.twitter.com/o9xrxK9mZR
— SleeperWhiteSox (@SleeperWhiteSox) April 1, 2026
Overall, it’s been a nightmare start for the White Sox as they have also given up 65 hits which leads the majors. It doesn’t get much easier, either. The Toronto Blue Jays come to town this weekend for the team’s home opener and first series at Guaranteed Rate this season.
If the White Sox really want to improve, they need to figure out how to get this pitching staff back on track and do it quickly.
Chicago White Sox have just 1 player predicted to be a 2026 AL All-Star
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