In the final regular-season Power Rankings of the year, the White Sox did themselves no favors with a 1-6 week. They fell in the Power Rankings for all publications that published new rankings this week; however, they never fell out of the top 10.
Here’s a complete list of where the major media outlets ranked the Sox heading into the playoffs!
MLB.com: 7
Previous Ranking: 6 (-1)
Conducted by Alyson Footer. To see her write-up on the Top 5 teams, click here.
Released on September 27
ESPN: 3
Previous Ranking: 5 (+2)
Luis Robert has been a revelation, Eloy Jimenez has slugged and Tim Anderson has been even more amazing than he was last season, but first baseman Jose Abreu led all American League position players in bWAR and RBIs entering Sunday while hitting above .300 with a 1.000 OPS. He and Anderson both have a shot at AL MVP honors.
Released on September 21
CBS Sports: 9
Previous Ranking: 4 (-5)
“If they get things sorted out and can make a deep playoff run, an X-factor will be rookie left-hander Garrett Crochet. He was their first-round pick this year and so far has struck out eight in five scoreless innings. He hasn’t walked anyone and has allowed just three hits (all singles).” – Matt Snyder
Published on September 28
USA Today: 3
Previous Ranking: 5 (+2)
“2020 first-round pick Garrett Crochet joins the bullpen throwing 100+ mph.” – Jesse Yomtov
Published on September 21
The Athletic: 7
Previous Ranking: 5 (-2)
Conducted by Grant Brisbee. If you have an Athletic Membership, click here to read their write-up on the Sox.
Published on September 28
Bleacher Report: 7
Previous Ranking: 3 (-4)
“The White Sox picked an unsettling time to go ice cold with a 1-7 record in their last eight games, and it’s not always as easy as just flipping the switch when the postseason starts. That slide also cost them a division title and home-field advantage. With Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel anchoring the rotation and a high-powered offense capable of piling up runs, they have the pieces. Is the young roster ready for October, though?” – Joel Reuter
Published on September 28
Sports Illustrated: 10
Previous Ranking: 7 (-3)
“The White Sox enter the playoffs on a 2-8 skid. During that downturn, the bats have fallen dead silent, with everybody not named Jose Abreu or Nick Madrigal going in the tank. Not the best time for a team-wide slump. For Chicago to rediscover its mojo, Dallas Keuchel and Lucas Giolito need to lead the charge, while the team’s sturdy bullpen must remain on course.” – Will Laws and Nick Selbe
Published on September 28
The White Sox begin their playoff series this afternoon versus the Athletics at 2 pm CT. The time for Power Rankings has come to an end – the ultimate ranking is still to come. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell.
Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more updates!
Results will depend entirely upon which team shows up to play this week. The first 20 games and last 10 games of the season or the middle 30 games of the season. The former will be 2 and done. The latter version could be playing in the final round for the World Series championship.