The White Sox season died Sunday afternoon in Washington, D.C. at Nationals Park. The cause of death was failing to make the postseason after losing 102 of 162 games in 2025. Despite going out with a series win, it’s not close to enough.

There was a lot that went wrong this year, and if you stay up to date with the game recaps or clever think pieces on this site, you already know that. Just weeks into the season, Martín Pérez, the only real veteran starting pitcher on staff, went on the injured list. This would thrust even more rookies or guys who had only pitched a handful of starts or maybe even a few innings of relief, into the spotlight.

Despite the growing pains throughout the long season, many dazzled. Shane Smith and Davis Martin were consistent when called upon.

Smith even finished his season on a high note, only allowing one hit in six innings. Coming to the team from the Rule 5 draft and fighting through a tough middle stretch this summer, Smith still made it to the All-Star Game and finished his season with a nearly perfect outing. Smith’s climb was inspiring.

But others, like Jonathan Cannon, struggled with command and often required an opener to avoid the first-inning jitters. Speaking of frustration, the bullpen was frequently inconsistent and unreliable. Brandon Eisert and Jordan Leasure made me want to pull my hair out, but Mike Vasil was a calming force.

But enough dwelling on the negative parts. In this eulogy, I want to reflect on the life that was lived and how the kids are all right. Where does one start? Perhaps with the highest WAR?

There was once a kid who started the 2025 season in Triple-A, and struggled. He made his way to Arizona to work on his mechanics, and by July, he ruled the league. In just 70 games, Colson Montgomery hit 21 home runs and knocked in 55, ending the season with a 3.3 WAR. Montgomery stunned pitchers, fans, media, and Major League Baseball as a whole. Watching Montgomery go yard gave me hope for the future.

Yet, Montgomery isn’t the only player who breathes more life into this young team. Kyle Teel debuted on June 6 to a sold-out crowd that I happened to be in. With a 2.0 WAR, he also dominated in the batter’s box. While his catcihng could use work, his potential shines through.

The future of the White Sox isn’t as bleak thanks to those two, but also thanks to the likes of Edgar Quero, Lenyn Sosa, Brooks Baldwin, Tim Elko, Miguel Vargas, and Chase Meidroth.

Also, the Birmingham Barons have now won the Southern League title in both 2024 and 2025. The youth movement is a force to be reckoned with.

While some of the old guards didn’t show promise this season, we should still appreciate what they offered and the guidance they provided. And of course, a huge congratulations to Michael A. Taylor, who announced his retirement ahead of the season-ending game. Taylor even finished his career with an RBI ground out, and for that, I am grateful for his presence this season.

Lastly, on the list of good things: the Pope! Whether you practice religion or not, having a direct line to the higher power is a pretty neat thing. White Sox fans (rightfully so) ran this development into the ground. There was even a mass held at Rate Field featuring the new Pope! His Holiness is on our side, so that has to bring some divine intervention going forward.

What will 2026 bring? Honestly, who knows. But I don’t think it will be 100+ losses. I do think the young team and Will Venable will continue to gel, ushering in a better season. Growing pains will happen, and it will be a long season, next year will be different. This team will gain more confidence, which will allow for a brighter future.

With the 2025 season in the books, let’s remember the good times we had. The nights at the park with the ones we love, the home runs that prompted fireworks dancing in the night’s sky. Let’s remember MLB debuts, first career hits, and being engulfed in the sights, smells, and feelings the ballpark brings. As the great Taylor Swift said, “Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you.”

Baseball is over for now, but only 130+ days until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, and life is worth living again.