Stat proves what White Sox offense lacks

The Chicago White Sox, against all odds, were playing with a .500 ball at the time.

They are 56-56 which is very disappointing as they were expected to comfortably take the AL Central division like they did last year.

Of course, unexpected circumstances got in the way: injuries, falls, demotions, lack of action at the deadline and other scenarios undoubtedly affected the Sox.

The most interesting part is that they are still very much alive in the playoff race.

Going into Friday, they are 3.5 games behind division leaders Cleveland Guardians.

It is certainly not an insurmountable difference.

They will, however, have to show some noise with the bat.

“705 of the White Sox’s first 1,000 hits this year were singles. Most recent teams to finish a season with at least 70% of their singles hits: 2018 Marlins (63-98), 2016 Marlins (79-82), 2015 Marlins (71-91), 2015 Braves (67 -95). The Tigers are close to joining this list as well,” stats guru Jeremy Frank tweeted on Friday.

705 of the White Sox’s first 1,000 hits this year were singles.

Most recent teams to finish a season with at least 70% of their singles hits:

Marlin 2018 (63-98)
Marlin 2016 (79-82)
Marlin 2015 (71-91)
Braves 2015 (67-95)

The Tigers are also set to join this list.

— Jeremy Frank (@MLBRandomStats) August 11, 2022

White Sox roster lacks punch

As you can see, hitting mostly singles doesn’t exactly add up to a lot of wins: all of the aforementioned teams were under .500.

The White Sox are currently at .500, but they won’t make the playoffs if they can’t show a slug.

At the moment, they rank 18th in MLB in slugging percentage, with a disappointing .386.

The mighty Sox, hailed as one of the best rosters in years, are 25th in home runs with just 98 so far.

It’s definitely something they’ll have to change if they want to repeat as AL Central champions.

The Guardians and Minnesota Twins, Chicago’s main competitors for a playoff spot, are ready to fight until the very end to be in October.