Jerry Reinsdorf open to selling moribund White Sox after historically bad season

· New York Post

Jerry Reinsdorf is reportedly exploring a sale of the Chicago White Sox.

The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Reinsdorf, 88, is in “active discussions” to sell the team to “a group led by former big leaguer Dave Stewart.” 

Reinsdorf, who also owns the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, bought the White Sox in 1981 for around $20 million. 

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf talks to reporters briefly on Aug. 31, 2023 about a shooting incident inside Guaranteed Rate Field last during a baseball game against the Athletics in Chicago. AP

Only the Steinbrenner family, which has owned the Yankees since 1973, have had a longer tenure as an MLB owner. 

Reinsdorf has long said he has no plans to sell the White Sox despite growing fan criticism and bad results on the field. 

Stewart, a 16-year MLBer and 1989 World Series MVP, has recently been part of a group looking to bring a big league team to Nashville, Tenn., although it isn’t clear what his involvement would mean for the franchise’s future in the Windy City, per the outlet. 

The news comes after the White Sox suffered through the worst season in modern MLB history. 

Chicago lost a record 121 games in 2024, breaking the 1962 Mets’ single-season loss record. 

“Everyone in this organization is extremely unhappy with the results of this season, that goes without saying,” Reinsdorf said in a statement in September. “This year has been very painful for all, especially our fans. We did not arrive here overnight, and solutions won’t happen overnight either.”

The White Sox fired longtime executive vice president Ken Williams and general manager Rick Hahn during the 2023 season, hiring Chris Getz as the new general manager, and canned manager Pedro Grifol for Grady Sizemore in August. 

Neither move was enough to avoid making history.

“Going back to last year, we have made difficult decisions and changes to begin building a foundation for future success,” Reinsdorf said. “What has impressed me is how our players and staff have continued to work and bring a professional attitude to the ballpark each day despite a historically difficult season. No one is happy with the results, but I commend the continued effort.”

Earlier this year, it was reported that the White Sox were exploring a possible new stadium in Chicago’s South Loop, replacing Guaranteed Rate Field, where they’ve played since 1991.

The White Sox drew just 17,046 fans per game this season, the fourth-fewest in the majors.