The Chicago White Sox are not ready for their season to end, and Andrew Benintendi made that clear ahead of their American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians.
Chicago has already enjoyed an impressive postseason run, sweeping the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round. Now, the White Sox face a familiar division rival with a chance to move one step closer to a potential American League pennant.
Benintendi believes the team’s chemistry has played a major role in its turnaround. Speaking to reporters ahead of the series, the veteran outfielder emphasized how much the group has grown together throughout the season.
“It takes a special group and a lot of different characters on this team to put it all together. We’ve meshed over the course of the past nine months. We are still enjoying it. We are not ready to go home yet. Keep showing up, winning games.”
Benintendi’s message reflects the confidence Chicago has built during a remarkable season. After enduring difficult campaigns in recent years, the White Sox have returned to the postseason with a roster that has found ways to win together.
The veteran has also experienced the organization’s struggles firsthand. His leadership and experience have provided an important presence for a team featuring several younger players who are experiencing the pressure of October baseball for the first time.
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The challenge now gets tougher against Cleveland. The Guardians finished ahead of Chicago in the American League Central and earned a first-round bye, giving them extra rest before the division series.
However, the White Sox arrive with momentum after eliminating Houston. Their ability to carry that confidence into a best-of-five matchup could be crucial against a rested Cleveland team.
Benintendi’s message is straightforward: Chicago believes it has more baseball left to play. The White Sox have already overcome plenty to reach this point, and their veteran outfielder made it clear that they are not satisfied with simply making the playoffs.
