Amidst the White Sox's disastrous 2024 season, majority owner Jerry Reinsdorf has reportedly expressed openness to selling his stake in the franchise.
Jerry Reinsdorf, the 88-year-old majority owner of the Chicago White Sox, is reportedly open to selling his stake in the franchise. This news comes amidst the team's catastrophic 2024 season, in which they set a modern-day record for losses.
According to a report from The Athletic, Reinsdorf is in "active discussions" about a sale with a buying group led by former MLB pitcher Dave Stewart. The White Sox have endured a tumultuous period in recent years, losing 100-plus games in each of the past two seasons and failing to reach the playoffs since 2021.
Reinsdorf purchased the White Sox in 1981 for roughly $20 million. Under his ownership, the team has made the playoffs just seven times, winning the World Series in 2005. However, the franchise has struggled to maintain sustained success, posting a winning record only twice in the last 12 seasons.
The White Sox's abysmal 2024 season reached a nadir in August, when manager Pedro Grifol was fired with the team's record at 28-89. Former MLB outfielder Grady Sizemore was then hired as interim manager.
In the wake of the disastrous season, Reinsdorf penned a letter to the team's fan base, expressing his disappointment and vowing to improve the team's performance.
Reinsdorf also owns the NBA's Chicago Bulls, which he purchased in 1985. Under his leadership, the Bulls won six NBA championships, led by the legendary Michael Jordan. Reinsdorf was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
The reported sale of the White Sox would mark a significant change in ownership for the franchise. Reinsdorf has been a fixture in Chicago sports for over four decades and is one of the most influential figures in both baseball and basketball.
The potential sale also raises questions about the future of the White Sox. Under Reinsdorf's ownership, the team has experienced both highs and lows, but has struggled to establish itself as a perennial contender.
It remains to be seen whether Reinsdorf will ultimately decide to sell the White Sox, or if he will retain ownership and continue to guide the team's future. However, the news of his openness to a sale has sent shockwaves through the baseball world and could potentially signal a new era for the Chicago White Sox.
