White Sox Clinch Playoff Berth, Pope Reacts

16 sourcesUpdated Sep 26, 2026

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The Chicago White Sox clinched a 2026 postseason berth with a 9-1 win over Kansas City, ending a playoff drought that began after 2021. After three consecutive 100-loss seasons, including a modern-era-record 121 losses in 2024, Chicago became the first MLB team to reach the playoffs after such a run. The White Sox entered the postseason race holding an AL Wild Card spot and remained in contention for the AL Central title. Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and lifelong White Sox fan, was asked aboard his plane whether he had helped bring about the team’s “miracle” season; he smiled and replied, “No comment. Great things happen in Chicago.”

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