The White Sox were just one out away from securing their 59th win of the season against the playoff-bound New York Yankees.

Shane Smith racked up eight strikeouts over five innings, Colton Montgomery connected for his 19th home run of the year, launching a towering 428-foot shot to right field that brought home Kyle Teel, and the White Sox held a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning.

But the Yankees rallied with two outs. With runners on the corners, a Brandon Eisner wild pitch allowed the tying run to score. Moments later, Jose Caballero battled through a nine-pitch at-bat before lining a walk-off single, sealing a 3-2 comeback win for New York and leaving the Sox on the wrong end of another heartbreaking finish.

The White Sox are now on the verge of losing 100 games for the third consecutive season. However, the 2025 campaign feels like a step in the right direction.

The team has been far more competitive this season but continues to struggle in tight contests, posting a 14-35 record in one-run games. Still, the front office has begun laying the foundation for a legitimate contender.

“This is way better,” Andrew Benintendi said when asked about the difference between this season and the White Sox team that set a modern record with 141 losses in 2024. “Everybody is excited to get to the field and hang out with each other, where last year, it was let’s get the game over with so we can get home. Everybody is enjoying each other here. A lot of good friendships are being built.”

While 141 losses left nowhere to go but up, Chicago’s young roster has already exceeded expectations. Since the promotions of Chase Meidroth, Edgar Quero, Colson Montgomery, and Kyle Teel, the White Sox have gone 26-34 in the second half of the season — a meaningful step forward.

The front office has also connected on several of its offseason acquisitions at a much higher rate than in previous years, further fueling optimism for the rebuild.

Since trading Garrett Crochet to Boston, the White Sox have seen meaningful contributions from all three players acquired in the deal. Kyle Teel has posted an .805 OPS, Chase Meidroth ranks second on the team with 112 hits, and Wilkeman Gonzalez has delivered a 2.66 ERA across 16 appearances.

Rule 5 Draft pick Shane Smith has been one of the season’s biggest surprises, emerging as an All-Star with a 3.98 ERA in 28 starts. Veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman, a nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, has provided steady leadership both on the field and in the clubhouse. Michael A Taylor has offered excellent outfield defense, recording 3 Outs Above Average and a Fielding Run Value that ranks in the top half of the MLB.

Miguel Vargas, acquired from the Dodgers at last year’s trade deadline, has taken a step forward as well, belting 15 home runs and ranking third on the club with 57 RBIs.

Several players brought in under former GM Rick Hahn have also shown significant growth. Catcher Edgar Quero, acquired in the 2023 trade that sent Lucas Giolito to the Angels, is hitting .275, while right-hander Grant Taylor — a second-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft — has developed into a dynamic bullpen weapon, notching five saves and nine holds.

“There’s a lot of good players still in the Minor Leagues coming up. The future here is pretty bright,” Benintendi told MLB.com. “The pieces are here. It’s now getting the time together and playing together more.”