Is Jerry Reinsdorf, the Chicago White Sox’s longstanding owner, willing to sell the team? The 88-year-old, who owns about 19% of the crew, is reportedly in active talks with a company headed by former major leaguer Dave Stewart. This information was passed by people with direct knowledge of the matter but not authorized to speak publicly. With this announcement, Reinsdorf—who has long held the title of baseball’s oldest majority owner—made a significant change. He hasn’t publicly expressed interest in selling the team up to this point, so it begs the question: What’s behind it? 

Reinsdorf has significant a history with the White Sox. He led a group that acquired the franchise for about $20 million back in 1981. He’s now the second-longest active owner in MLB, only behind the Steinbrenner family, who acquired the Yankees in 1973. Reinsdorf controls around 19% of the White Sox, according to Forbes, and the whole ownership is reportedly up for discussion in any possible sale negotiations. Did you know that he’s not the only owner considering a sale at this time.  

According to The Athletic, The Minnesota Twins have been owned by the Pohlad family since 1984, and they just revealed that they intend to look into selling the team as well. Reinsdorf has often said that he has counseled his successors to hold onto the Chicago Bulls, where his son Michael serves as club president and COO, rather than the White Sox. It was no secret that he wanted to implement major organizational reforms, particularly in light of the team’s disappointing record-setting 121-game loss this past season. 

What’s been happening with Jerry Reinsdorf and the team?

Reinsdorf has stated that he wants a new home before 2029. Why that year in particular? Because that’s when the White Sox’s current lease at Guaranteed Rate Field expires. The team won the World Series in 2005 while Reinsdorf was the owner. Since then they have missed winning any postseason series. To turn the tables, the owners did make some changes like parting ways with the manager and president last year due to their lack of success.

“This year has been extremely painful for all, especially our fans,” Reinsdorf conveyed his thoughts to The Athletic, further noting, “We did not arrive here overnight, and solutions won’t happen overnight either. Going back to last year, we have made difficult decisions and changes. Those changes have continued this summer, and we look forward to naming a new manager with new energy this fall.”  They also chose to fire manager Pedro Grifol in the middle of the season, with new general manager Chris Getz in charge.

Unfortunately, nothing has helped. While Reinsdorf has been speaking openly on the team’s troubles, what do you believe the White Sox’s future will bring? Do they have the correct course for a turnaround? Let us know in the comments.