The Chicago White Sox, who have long seen their playoff hopes fade away, were hit with allegations of a “no rules” culture by former relief pitcher Keynan Middleton.
Middleton, who was traded to the New York Yankees just before the trade deadline, claimed that the team’s lack of structure led to multiple issues, including rookies falling asleep in the bullpen and players missing essential meetings and practices.
“We came in with no rules,” Middleton stated. “I don’t know how you police the culture if there are no rules or guidelines to follow because everyone is doing their own thing. Like, how do you say anything about it because there are no rules?”
Multiple sources backed up Middleton’s account, stating that they witnessed a pitcher napping during games and skipping crucial fielding practice. The allegations paint a picture of a team struggling with discipline and accountability.
Keynan Middleton ripping the WhiteSox over the national media and calling out the toxic culture and awful leadership is a big W. Shit needs to change now from top to bottom.
— Jeremy (@JeremyWillll) August 7, 2023
The White Sox organization declined to comment on Middleton’s remarks.
This season, the White Sox had high hopes for contention, but they currently sit at a disappointing 45-68 under first-year manager Pedro Grifol, who replaced Tony La Russa after his resignation.
The team’s recent slide led to a series of trades, with Middleton being among the players dealt to other teams.
Middleton, now with the Yankees, spoke highly of the culture in his new team, emphasizing the importance of clear rules and consequences for players’ actions.
“The second I found out I was traded, I shaved my face,” Middleton said. “I was ready to play by their rules because all I want to do is win games.. You know how to act [here]. You know not to be late and you know there are consequences if you are late.”
According to Middleton, the problems with the White Sox culture were present before he arrived this season, suggesting that they predated Grifol’s tenure as manager. The team’s struggles were also evident last year, finishing with an 81-81 record under La Russa’s management before he left due to health concerns.
“When I got to spring training, I heard a lot of the same stuff was happening last year,” Middleton said. “It’s happening again this year, so not sure how I could change it. They don’t tell you not to miss PFPs. They don’t tell you not to miss meetings, and if it happens, it’s just, ‘OK.'”
Middleton pointed to the absence of prominent players like Lance Lynn and Kendall Graveman, who left for the World Baseball Classic during Grifol’s first spring training, as one reason for the team’s cultural issues.
“If you’re trying to create culture, you need your big dogs,” Middleton said. “The guys who played in the WBC were our big dogs, and those are the guys I feel like can police the things that are happening.”
“There was no jelling of the team. We’re supposed to find our identity in spring training so we can roll out for the season. If you don’t find your identity, you’re scuffling from day one.”
Middleton believes that the White Sox lacked strong leadership and that players were hesitant to speak up when necessary due to the absence of clear rules.
“It’s hard to police people when there are no rules. If guys are doing things that you think are wrong, who is it wrong to? You or them? It’s anyone’s judgment at that point,” he said.
On Monday, Middleton is set to face his former team in a three-game series, and he expressed contentment with his new surroundings on the Yankees.
“You hear about it before you come over here,” Middleton said. “Did I want to shave my beard off? Hell no. I had to. I wanted to be a part of [the Yankees]. There was no question.”
As the White Sox grapple with a season filled with disappointments, the allegations of a “no rules” culture raise concerns about the team’s internal dynamics and the potential need for a more structured, mature and professional approach moving forward.
Middleton’s accusations are very alarming – especially to long-suffering White Sox fans.
Do you think some of the dysfunctional things he mentioned are widespread in baseball? Or is this a White Sox culture problem specifically?