White Sox Seek Turnaround Following Dismal Season

The Chicago White Sox are determined to rebound after hitting rock bottom.

Last season, the White Sox recorded the most losses and lowest winning percentage in MLB history, joining a dubious group of American sports teams known for the worst seasons in their respective leagues.

However, a new season brings fresh opportunities, and the White Sox are entering 2025 with a young roster and hopes for a new beginning. There`s optimism that things can improve, although history suggests that significant improvement might not be immediate.

Here`s a look at how other teams in American sports followed up their historically poor seasons.

2008 Detroit Lions, 0-16

Record next season: 2-14

The Lions replaced coach Rod Marinelli with Jim Schwartz but didn`t experience a significant improvement in the following season. Each of Detroit`s two victories was followed by a six-game losing streak. Both wins came with rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, who played for the team for 12 seasons.

2017 Cleveland Browns, 0-16

Record next season: 7-8-1

Cleveland`s 2018 season was unusual but showed more positive results than the previous year. They tied the Pittsburgh Steelers in their season opener and had a solid 2-2-1 record by Week 6.

However, three consecutive losses led to the firing of coach Hue Jackson. Interim coach Gregg Williams led the team to win five of their last eight games, finishing just below .500.

1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 0-14

Record next season: 2-12

Before the Lions and Browns, the Buccaneers were the first NFL team to go winless in 1976, when the season was 14 games long. Tampa Bay`s inaugural season was challenging, and their second season in 1977 showed only slight progress. After an 0-12 start, they faced the possibility of consecutive winless seasons.

The team finished strong, winning their last two games as a minor consolation. Tampa Bay improved to five wins in 1978 and then to 10 wins and a playoff appearance in 1979.

2011 Tulsa Shock, 3-31

Record next season: 9-25

Despite starting the 2012 WNBA season with a nine-game losing streak, the Shock gained some momentum in the latter half of the season.

Tulsa went 6-7 in their final 13 games, finishing with a 9-25 record, tripling their win total from the previous year.

1974-75 Washington Capitals, 8-67-5

Record next season: 11-59-10

Another team that struggled in its inaugural season, the Capitals won three more games and had five more ties in their second year.

Washington showed improvement in goals scored (from 181 to 224) and goals against (from 446 to 394) in their second season, although their defense was still the league`s worst.

2011-12 Charlotte Bobcats, 7-59

Record next season: 21-61

The Bobcats (now Charlotte Hornets) showed one of the most significant Year 2 improvements on this list, following their disastrous lockout-shortened season.

Led by Kemba Walker, who topped the team in points, assists, and steals, the Bobcats overcame a difficult 6-36 stretch from December to February to finish the season with 21 wins.