Fresh off the worst season in baseball’s modern era, the White Sox are in desperate need of some changes. That could involve the departure of longtime owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
Under Reinsdorf’s stewardship, Chicago reached the highest mounts of MLB success, capturing a World Series title in 2005 and breaking the Curse of the Black Sox. Recent seasons, though, have proved far more trying, best encapsulated by the 2024 campaign, which saw the White Sox post a .221/.278/.340 slash line while winning just 41 games.
Reinsdorf is a notable figure in the world of Windy City sports, as the 88-year-old also owns the Bulls and oversaw their greatest-ever achievements — the six NBA titles spearheaded by Michael Jordan. Reinsdorf retains his position at the head of the Bulls’ front office, but recent reports indicate that he might not do the same for the White Sox for much longer.
Here’s everything you need to know as rumors of a potential Reinsdorf sale swirl.
MORE: Inside the stats, dysfunction behind the White Sox’s historically bad 2024 season
Is Jerry Reinsdorf selling the White Sox?
Reinsdorf appears to be moving closer and closer to putting the White Sox on sale. He is open to selling the team, The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli reported Wednesday, a departure from the stance the 88-year old has long employed regarding his ownership of the MLB franchise.
Having led a group to purchase stake in the organization in 1981, Reinsdorf is the second-longest tenured owner in baseball, only eclipsed by the Steinbrenner family, which has retained control over the Yankees since 1973.
Reinsdorf has never spoken publicly about selling the team — at least not while he serves as the side’s majority owner. He has routinely said that he’s advised his heirs to keep the Bulls and sell the White Sox upon his death. His son, Michael, is the Bulls’ chief operating officer (COO) and team president.
The reasons for Reinsdorf’s sudden change of heart remains shrouded in mystery. But posting a 41-121 record probably didn’t help matters.
MORE: How 2024 White Sox made history with worst record of all time
Who could buy White Sox from Reinsdorf?
Leading the charge to wrestle the White Sox away from Reinsdorf is a Black Ace. A group helmed by former MLB pitcher Dave Stewart — commonly referred to by his nickname, “Smoke” — has emerged as one of the most notable candidates to replace Reinsdorf as majority owner in the near future.
Stewart, 67, was a big league star during the 1980s and 1990s, reeling off four straight seasons with 20 or more wins. A one-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion, Stewart took home World Series MVP honors in 1989.
Since his retirement following the 1995 season, Stewart has worn a lot of hats, serving as an agent, executive and magnate. His group, Smoke34, has started talks with Reinsdorf over a potential purchase, The Athletic reports. Stewart has already expressed interest in attempting to bring baseball and NWSL soccer to Nashville.
Jerry Reinsdorf net worth
Reinsdorf is valued at $ 2.1 billion, much of which stems from his status as a real estate tycoon. Despite his considerable wealth, Reinsdorf has long been considered one of the stingiest owners in baseball, gaining a reputation for his stance as one of sport’s biggest anti-union hard-liners.
