One thing I've noticed this season that's hurt the SOX offense is lack of wild pitches by the opposing pitchers. In 2018 the SOX scored a plethora of runs on wild pitches.
There are 24 MLB teams that have a lower payroll than the SOX, and of those 24 teams 11, at this point, have a better record than the SOX.
The 5 MLB teams that have a higher payroll are all playing well over .500 ball.