ESPN Ranking Reveals Star Power Gap for Chicago White Sox

The South Side team looks to rebound after a disastrous 2024 season.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Chicago White Sox are aiming to bounce back from a 41-121 record in 2024 and a 60-102 finish in 2025. With the addition of Colson Montgomery, the team is hoping for more wins in 2026, but an ESPN ranking has highlighted the stark difference in star power between the White Sox and their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cubs.

Why it matters

The White Sox have struggled to build star power and fan engagement in recent years, especially compared to the more successful and popular Cubs. This disparity in star power and brand recognition can impact ticket sales, merchandise, and overall fan interest in the team.

The details

The White Sox are coming off back-to-back seasons with over 100 losses, a far cry from their playoff appearance in 2020. The team is hoping that the arrival of prospect Colson Montgomery can help turn things around, but an ESPN ranking of the top 100 players in MLB has revealed the massive gap in star power between the White Sox and their crosstown rivals, the Cubs.

  • The White Sox finished the 2024 season with a 41-121 record.
  • In 2025, the White Sox improved to a 60-102 record.
  • Colson Montgomery will be joining the White Sox roster for the 2026 season.

The players

Colson Montgomery

A highly touted prospect who the White Sox are hoping can help turn the team around in 2026.

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The takeaway

The White Sox's struggles to build star power and fan engagement in recent years highlight the challenges small-market teams face in competing with more successful and popular franchises like the Cubs. The team will need to continue developing young talent and finding ways to connect with the local community if they hope to close the star power gap.