Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Michael Shapiro

White Sox Clinch AL Central, Earn Franchise's First Back-to-Back Playoff Appearance

The White Sox secured their first AL Central crown since 2008 on Thursday with a 7-2 win over Cleveland. 

Chicago's division title guarantees the first back-to-back playoff appearance in franchise history. The White Sox finished second in the AL Central last season before losing to the A's in the American League Wild Card. 

The White Sox advanced to 86–66 in 2021 with Thursday's victory. They sport one of the American League's most potent offenses when healthy, anchored by first baseman and 2020 AL MVP Jose Abreu. Chicago has four players with an OPS+ over 100, including Abreu, third baseman Yoan Moncada, shortstop Tim Anderson and catcher Yasmani Grandal.

Chicago is slated to face the Astros in the American League Division Series. The White Sox enter the 2021 postseason seeking their first World Series since 2005.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.