To say that things have been bad for the Chicago White Sox of late would be a massive understatement. After showing immense promise with a 93-win 2021 season, it has been all downhill since. Last season, the White Sox lost a record 121 games and things are only marginally better in 2025.
Even more unfortunate for the franchise is the need for a new stadium. Currently, the White Sox play at Rate Park, which has been their home since opening on Chicago’s South Side back in 1991. They had previously been at the famous Comiskey Park.
Relocation a Possibility?
Cities like San Antonio, Nashville, and others have long been rumored to be in the market for an expansion team. As it turns out, that kind of situation is awfully attractive to White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
The White Sox have been a staple of the South Side, a rival to the city’s more beloved Cubs. Removing them from the city would be like cutting out a piece of Chicago itself. Unfortunately, the ownership situation for the White Sox may see that become a reality in Illinois. You can find more information about franchise sports teams in Illinois here: youbet.com/states/illinois/
Reinsdorf wants a new home and is more than open to keeping the team close to home, more on the central side of Chicago. It would be a win-win for both the franchise and the city. Developers are working on a potential new ballpark, one that would be located in an area known as “The 78.” As recently as last year, talks were reportedly at a ‘serious’ stage.
The site of a new potential stadium would be located at Clark Street and Roosevelt Road, extending all the way towards Wrigley Field, which is located on the North Side. Even better, it would only be 2.5 miles north of Rate Park. The cost – an estimated $2 billion – is roughly the going rate for a new professional sports stadium.
The Issues with Ownership
Normally, the discussion of a new stadium is one that goes without much public attention. Due to Jerry Reinsdorf being involved, things are never that simple. Here are just a few of the issues that fans and critics have when it comes to Reinsdorf’s reign as owner.
Reluctance to Spend
Perhaps the single biggest criticism fans have of Reinsdorf is his unwillingness to spend. Payroll for the White Sox has fluctuated, but they have largely developed a reputation for limiting player salaries and trading away star players rather than having to pay them. Fans speculate that Reinsdorf will be happy so long as he turns a profit. Add in the fact that facilities are outdated and it shows that Reinsdorf may not ever be willing to spend money to create a winner.
Unwilling to Embrace Analytics
Analytics have become a major focus of the game these days. We now have more information than ever before, allowing us to see deeper into the game than ever. Reinsdorf, however, has been very resistant to using those tools to improve player evaluation and team strategy, instead “going with his gut,” which has mixed results.
Unwilling to Adapt
Baseball is constantly evolving, and the most successful teams are the ones that adapt to the times. Reinsdorf, however, has been reluctant to bring the White Sox to the forefront of these developments. Whether it be updating technology or training methods, Reinsdorf isn’t a big believer in evolving his franchise.
Too Hands-On
Another major criticism of Reinsdorf is that he is heavily involved in the team’s day-to-day operations. It is not uncommon for him to contradict recommendations made by even the most knowledgeable members of the staff. Reinsdorf has been so hands-on that he’s even tinkered with the team’s broadcasting. Typically, when an owner can’t get out of the way of the people he hired, success becomes difficult to achieve.
Claims of Nepotism
There have been numerous reports that Reinsdorf is viciously loyal. While loyalty can be a positive trait, it can be detrimental. Reinsdorf has shown favoritism to not only those loyal to him, but to family members as well. This comes even when on-field performance is visibly suffering.
A Turbulent Time for White Sox Faithful
No matter how you shake it, it is a time of uncertainty for White Sox fans. New stadiums are becoming the status quo in professional sports, so there is no avoiding it. Moving the site of the new stadium a few miles away would mean little in terms of change.
At the end of the day, Reinsdorf is involved, which means that things can’t possibly be easy. Though it is highly unlikely that the team will ever leave Chicago proper, the possibility can’t be ruled out. Until then, it is cautious optimism at best for fans.
