Jerry Reinsdorf reportedly considering huge move with White Sox

Sep 2, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf stands on the sidelines before a baseball game against Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf could be moving toward a massive decision regarding the future of the franchise.

Reinsdorf is “open” to selling the Chicago White Sox, according to Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic. The 88-year-old owner is already in active discussions with a potential ownership group led by former pitcher and three-time World Series champion Dave Stewart.

It is unclear how serious Reinsdorf is about a possible sale. He has never demonstrated any public interest in selling, having owned the franchise since 1981, though he has previously suggested that his heirs should sell the team upon his death while keeping the Chicago Bulls, which he also owns. The news also comes as the team makes noise about getting a new stadium to replace Guaranteed Rate Field, where the White Sox have a lease through 2029.

News of any potential sale would likely be welcomed by White Sox fans, who have been highly critical of Reinsdorf’s ownership of the team. While the organization did win a World Series in 2005, there has largely been an unwillingness to adapt and modernize the franchise, an attitude that starts from the top. That culminated in a 2024 campaign that saw the team set a new MLB record for futility by losing 121 games.

Reinsdorf is the second AL Central owner to explore a potential sale since the end of the regular season.