Rockies Win, Avoid White Sox Loss Record.

The 2025 Colorado Rockies have managed to sidestep the most undesirable historical outcome. Their 7-6 triumph against the Los Angeles Angels this past Friday represented their 42nd victory of the current season, which consequently signifies that they will not surpass the 2024 White Sox’s Major League Baseball record for the highest number of losses in a single season, set at 121. 

The Rockies’ current record stands at 112 losses with just eight games remaining in their schedule. This trajectory places them on track to accumulate approximately 118 losses for the entire season, a figure that would still rank among the highest loss totals in the history of Major League Baseball. Here’s a review of the notable teams:

There was a period when it appeared the Rockies were determined to eclipse the White Sox’s record within a year of its establishment. Colorado’s record was 5-25 at the conclusion of April and 9-49 at the end of May. During that timeframe, the Rockies were on pace to suffer 137 losses, providing them with considerable margin relative to the White Sox’s record. However, since reaching that low point, the Rockies have performed in a manner that is more typically poor rather than exceptionally abysmal. Veteran manager Bud Black was relieved of his duties 40 games into the season, with Warren Schaeffer stepping in as his replacement during the second week of May. While the Rockies continued to face significant challenges under Schaeffer’s leadership, their performance improved slightly in June.

Since June 1st, the Rockies have achieved a record of 33-63, resulting in a winning percentage of .344. This pace translates to a projected 109 losses over the course of a full season. Once again, this is a subpar performance but falls far short of the depths experienced by the Rockies earlier in the season. Since June 1, the Rockies have allowed the highest number of runs in Major League Baseball, while also ranking 26th in runs scored during that same period. Considering the unique characteristics of Coors Field, situated a mile above sea level, it is reasonable to assert that the Rockies have struggled across all major aspects of the game. However, this has not been sufficient to maintain them on a course for historical infamy, much to the relief of the White Sox. The record that no team desires remains intact for another year. 

However, at a fundamental level, the Rockies have already distinguished themselves as the poorest team in modern MLB history, with a considerable margin. This distinction is primarily attributed to their run differential, calculated as the difference between runs allowed and runs scored. Currently, the 2025 Rockies possess a run differential of negative 403. This figure represents the most unfavorable run differential in modern MLB history, dating back to 1900. Previously, the 1932 Red Sox held the record with a run differential of negative 349. In the 162-game era, commencing in 1962, the most unfavorable run differential was negative 339, recorded by the 2023 Athletics. The Rockies this season have surpassed both of these figures, and they still have games remaining on their schedule.

To identify any “worst run differential” leaderboard where the 2025 Rockies do not hold the top position, it becomes necessary to broaden the scope to include the 19th century. Courtesy of the CBS Sports Research Desk, presented below are the 10 teams with the most unfavorable run differentials in the entire history of major-league baseball:

It seemed improbable that a modern MLB team would be outscored by 400 or more runs within a single season. In related circumstances, the Rockies in 2025 hold a record of 7-43 in games decided by a margin of five or more runs. Their count of significant losses surpasses the total number of their victories this season.

While the 2025 Rockies may not ultimately achieve the highest number of losses in a season, there remains a compelling argument to be made that they represent the least competitive major-league team in over a century.