White Sox Still Seen as Playoff Team Despite Mediocre Record

Despite a negative run differential (-19) and an underwhelming record (51-50), the Chicago White Sox are still expected to make the playoffs at WynnBET Sportsbook.

I'm not shy about my disdain for the club and haven't believed in them all year, but the White Sox have won 10 of 15 games to bring them just two games behind Minnesota in the AL Central race.

While I'm fading Chicago today against Kansas City, their recent performance can't be ignored.

Are oddsmakers right? Will the White Sox make the playoffs?

White Sox Odds to Make Playoffs

• Yes: -150
• No: +125

Oddsmakers must see something I don't, because the White Sox are tied for the sixth-best odds to win the AL Pennant (+2000).

This is a team that ranks 18th in OPS and team ERA despite playing in the worst division in MLB. Their divisional foes are bad, and that plays into Chicago's favor, but the White Sox don't excel at any one particular thing and have two glaring weaknesses that set them behind other playoff contenders.

Tony La Russa continues to make horrific decisions and is the single-biggest reason I don't believe in the White Sox. He's mismanaged a poor bullpen all season and doesn't seem to grasp basic modern competitive concepts.

To make matters worse, MLB Statcast has the White Sox with the second-fewest Outs Above Average defensively in the entire American League.

I'll admit, Chicago does have the most dominant pitcher going right now in Dylan Cease, but he can't pitch every day.

All season, I've thought the White Sox were dramatically overrated and they've done nothing to change my mind. I'll happily bet No on them making the playoffs at WynnBET and don't think they have the leadership to make a late charge.

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.