Worst teams in MLB history: Chicago White Sox nearing record for most losses

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The 2024 Chicago White Sox are on the fast track to what seems like an inevitable place in baseball infamy.

After hitting the 100-loss mark on Aug. 25 in just their 131st game, the White Sox appear destined to set an all-time major league record for the most losses in a single season. Chicago entered Sept. 27 with a 39-120 record.

Earlier in the year, the Sox tied an American League record with a 21-game losing streak that lasted from July 10 to Aug. 5 ‒ and led to the firing of manager Pedro Grifol and several members of his coaching staff on Aug. 8.

"As we all recognize, our team’s performance this season has been disappointing on many levels," GM Chris Getz said.

Worst teams in MLB history

The White Sox are chasing a dubious record for the most losses in the modern era and entered Sept. 22 with 119 losses. Here's how the worst teams in baseball history stack up:

Most losses in a single MLB season (since 1900):

• 1962 New York Mets: 120

• 2024 Chicago White Sox: 120

• 2003 Detroit Tigers: 119

• 1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 117

• 2018 Baltimore Orioles: 115

• 1935 Boston Braves: 115

• 2019 Detroit Tigers: 114

• 1904 Washington Senators: 113

(Source: Baseball-Reference.com)

The absolute worst team in baseball history

The one team the White Sox will not surpass is the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who posted a record of 20-134, for a "winning" percentage of .130.

The Spiders had been a powerhouse in the fledgling National League for some time until the team's owners purchased the bankrupt NL club in St. Louis and transferred almost all of the Spiders' best players (including legendary pitcher Cy Young) to St. Louis.

As a result, the undermanned Spiders finished the 1899 season with an all-time worst record of 20-134. The Spiders were one of four NL teams to be contracted at the end of that season.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Worst MLB teams in history: White Sox near record for most losses