The White Sox’s playoff push this year “brought fans back to their screens” as the team’s viewership “reached its highest level since 2022,” before the White Sox launched Chicago Sports Network, according to Justin Kaufmann of AXIOS. White Sox games across all platforms averaged 84,800 viewers, up 168% from last year, per CHSN. The year-over-year increase was the “largest among MLB teams.” As the Sox neared the playoffs, “viewership surged” — August and September games averaged 112,000 viewers, 78% higher than March through May. Streaming audiences “grew fivefold compared with last year.” The season’s most-watched game was the Aug. 17 Crosstown Series matchup against the Cubs, which drew 245,900 viewers (AXIOS, 10/15).
THE ONE TIME…: In Chicago, Jeff Agrest wrote White Sox TV voice John Schriffen was in “Las Vegas for a UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event” the day the team clinched its postseason spot. For Schriffen, it would have “been the capstone” on the season. Connor McKnight filled in alongside Steve Stone and “did a fine job calling the clincher,” but Schriffen’s absence “had to touch a nerve with Sox brass.” Even though he was contractually allowed to take a certain number of games off, “did he have to take that game off?” The Sox “couldn’t have liked the optics of its TV voice choosing to be elsewhere than at a potential clincher.” If Schriffen wanted to return, missing that game “couldn’t have helped.” Schriffen “is just not a baseball broadcaster,” as his style is “more suited for the UFC than MLB.” Schriffen’s contract has an option for next season. If the Sox do not pick up his option, their plans could be impacted by “how much of a season there is next year.” If it looks like Opening Day will be delayed significantly, they could “hold off for a year on hiring someone and put someone already on the payroll in the booth” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 10/15).