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The Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night commenced with a reshaping of their front office, as team owner Jerry Reinsdorf announced the departures of longtime executives Rick Hahn and Kenny Williams in a lengthy statement.
"Ken is like a son to me, and I will always consider him a member of my family," Reinsdorf said. "I want to personally thank Ken and Rick for all they have done for the Chicago White Sox, winning the 2005 World Series and reaching the postseason multiple times during their tenures."
Hahn and Williams had each been with the White Sox organization for over 20 years, enduring some tough times as well as amazing successes -- such as the World Series win in 2005, which ended an 88-year title drought. But after a 14-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Monday night, Reinsdorf decided he finally had to act. The White Sox have struggled mightily in 2023, their 49-76 win-loss record ranking as the fourth-worst in Major League Baseball.
White Sox window slams shut
Just two seasons after winning the AL Central division with a vibrant, exciting young core, the White Sox now appear farther than ever from championship contention.
Led by a top-flight pitching staff, Chicago won 93 games in 2021 and played in the AL Division Series that year for the first time since 2008. But the White Sox struggled out of the gate in 2022, and veteran manager Tony La Russa stepped down prior to the end of the season -- which saw Chicago miss the playoffs with an 81-81 record.
The South Siders' fortunes have not improved in 2023. Star right-hander Dylan Cease (4.50 ERA) has had a tough season on the mound after nearly winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2022, while All-Star slugger Luis Robert's 33 home runs have not been enough to resuscitate one of the worst offenses in MLB.
Could the Sox leave Chicago?
The future of the White Sox is even murkier when taking into account recent rumors that the franchise is floating the idea of leaving Guaranteed Rate Field for a new ballpark -- which might not even be in Chicago.
The White Sox have played at the intersection of 35th Street and Shields Avenue since 1910 -- first at the original Comiskey Park until 1991, and subsequently its replacement, built just across the street.
Reinsdorf has threatened to move the team before, using that threat as a gambit to secure funding for Guaranteed Rate Field, but it remains to be seen if such a strategy can be repeated successfully.