Nov 9, 2025; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Left-hander Hagen Smith was named the No. 2 AFL prospect, while Braden Montgomery checked in at No. 3. Both players made a strong impression this fall and are viewed as key pieces in the White Sox ongoing rebuild.
Hagen Smith
Smith got off to a rocky start in the minor leagues, struggling with control issues. However, he rebounded down the stretch, finishing the season strong with a 3.69 ERA across 20 Double-A starts. Over 75.2 innings, he struck out 108 batters against 56 walks, and limited opponents to a .166 batting average.
The White Sox No.5 prospect built off that strong finish with a solid showing in the Fall League. In five games, he tossed 14 innings, allowing just four runs on seven hits and six walks. He finished his AFL campaign with a 2.57 ERA, with 21 strikeouts and a .143 batting average against.
Braden Montgomery
Montgomery also turned in a strong Fall League season, reminding everyone why he’s considered a Top-40 talent in baseball.
Montgomery missed the start of the AFL season after an errant pitch fractured his right foot in September. The injury cut short an impressive first professional campaign in which the 22-year-old hit .270 with an .804 OPS across 121 games between Low-A Kannapolis, High-A Winston-Salem, and Double-A Birmingham.
But Montgomery returned to the lineup with a flourish, finishing the Fall League season hitting .366 with a 1.161 OPS over 12 games. During his hot stretch, he recorded eight extra-base hits, 11 RBIs, and drew 13 walks against 11 strikeouts. Even after missing the start of the AFL season, Montgomery still ranked third in the league in on-base percentage (.527), fifth in doubles (6), sixth in slugging percentage (.634), and seventh in batting average.
Iowa's Duncan Davitt (44) delivers a pitch during a NCAA Big Ten Conference baseball game against Penn State, Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City, Iowa. 210508 Penn St Iowa Bsb 006 Jpg
While protecting the team’s No. 7 prospect, Tanner McDougal, was expected, Davitt raised some eyebrows. However, Getz told reporters that both pitchers received trade interest before last week’s deadline to set 40-man rosters.
Davitt was acquired from the Rays in the trade that sent Adrian Houser to Tampa Bay. With several candidates to consider for Rule 5 protection, the White Sox decision to add him to the 40-man roster so soon after the deal signals they want to give the right-hander an extended look.
The 26-year-old, an 18th-round pick by the Rays in 2022, reached Triple-A last season and recorded a 4.38 ERA with 150 strikeouts and a 1.21 WHIP over 152 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
Getz believes that Davitt can help the White Sox pitching staff in a variety of ways next season.
“Someone that we feel like is versatile, can give us starter innings,” Getz told reporters on Wednesday. “Can pitch in the bullpen if need be, both in a multi-inning role, but also at a higher leverage, knowing that his stuff is there, he has weapons for both sides. Knowing even on shorter stints, his stuff will play up even further.”
The White Sox could use another arm in the rotation to help eat innings, but given Getz’s rationale, it sounds like bringing back left-hander Martin Perez is not in the cards.
Davitt has yet to reach the big leagues, but is expected to make his MLB debut this season.
Across four minor league seasons, Davitt has posted a 4.32 ERA with an impressive 25.1% strikeout rate and a 7.4% walk rate. His ability to generate swings and misses is a key reason he profiles as a potential high-leverage reliever. Last season, he struck out nearly 24% of the hitters he faced while producing a strong 43% ground-ball rate.
After joining the White Sox, however, all of his work came in a starting role. Assigned to Triple-A Charlotte, he made nine starts in the second half and recorded a 5.03 ERA over 48.1 innings.
Davitt capped his 2025 minor league season with 28 starts, logging 152 innings and recording 10 quality starts.
He doesn’t feature overpowering stuff, with his fastball averaging just 91 mph. But Davitt makes up for it with a deep five-pitch arsenal. His 82 mph slider and 81 mph curveball are his primary secondary offerings that account for nearly 39% of his pitches.
Nov 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) reacts with offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (75) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
This season serves as a perfect reminder of what happens when you pass judgment on players way too soon. People were so quick to hammer the Chicago Bears for their 2025 draft class because it wasn’t contributing much on the field to start the season. Calls were growing louder for GM Ryan Poles’ head. This team wasn’t going anywhere. Two months later, the narrative has undergone a complete shift. The Bears claimed their eighth win of the season on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Much of it came from standout performances by their rookie draft picks.
Colston Loveland – 4 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
Luther Burden – 4 touches, 61 total yards
Ozzy Trapilo – 1 pressure in 41 pass-blocking snaps at LT
Kyle Monangai – 12 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD
This isn’t an isolated incident either. Loveland is fast emerging as one of the most exciting pass targets in the NFL this season. Burden might be one of the most versatile wide receivers in the league thanks to his blocking prowess. Trapilo already looked sharp in limited snaps before getting his first start. Monangai is averaging 4.7 yards per carry with a touchdown in each of the past three games.
.@steelers@ChicagoBears let's look at one play and watch #DaBears rookie class go about there business 2b Ozzie BC 6. Newman MICH ST 7. Monangai Rutgers 2a. Burden Missouri
Ryan Poles picked a perfect time to deliver perhaps his best draft.
Right now, that title probably belongs to 2023. Darnell Wright has emerged as a Pro Bowl-caliber right tackle, while Gervon Dexter and Tyrique Stevenson have become quality starters on defense. This latest group appears to have a much higher ceiling. Loveland is already playing like a potential top 10 tight end. Burden is the most explosive weapon they have and gets better each week. Trapilo is proving to be a high-end pass protector whose confidence is growing. Monangai? He’s a perfect rotational back who is a nightmare to tackle.
Usually, if you’re getting two good players in every draft, you’re doing okay. Getting four would be a huge victory. It has been a long time since that has happened for the Bears. Ryan Poles had some solid drafts up to this point, but not yet what feels like a true home run. Based on how things are going, he finally got that hanging curveball he’s been waiting for.
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears suddenly find themselves with a good problem in the secondary — too much talent playing too well. Head coach Ben Johnson didn’t hide his excitement when asked how Nahshon Wright fits into the rotation once Jaylon Johnson is activated. His answer spoke volumes.
“He’s done a phenomenal job,” Johnson said with a smile. “I think he has certainly earned play time.”
That same sentiment extended to C.J. Gardner-Johnson, whose versatility has been crucial with Kyler Gordon out. Johnson made it clear Chicago intends to keep both players involved, even as the unit gets healthier. The challenge now isn’t plugging holes — it’s finding snaps for everyone.
Wright’s play has made that challenge unavoidable. His first-quarter interception on Sunday — a one-handed grab near the sideline — drew one of the strongest compliments Johnson has given any defender this season.
“It was one of the most athletic plays and phenomenal catches I’ve seen in a long time,” Johnson said. “What’s undersung about what Shonny is doing right now is how much he’s influencing the run game. He’s coming up, he’s tackling the ball carrier, they’re throwing a bubble screen and he’s knifing through the play.”
With Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson trending toward returning for Friday’s matchup against the Eagles, the Bears could be near full strength in the secondary. Tyrique Stevenson has held his own, but Wright is playing on a different level right now. He has earned every snap he’s getting — and Chicago must find a way to keep him on the field.
Chicago Bears: The Most Dangerous 8-3 Team in Football
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) comes off the field after failing to convert on third down in the second quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. The Steelers led 10-6 at halftime.
Aaron Rodgers couldn’t resist taking one more jab at Chicago on Sunday. Despite not suiting up for the Steelers, the future Hall of Famer made headlines when he declared that “Soldier Field is my home” and reminded everyone that he still “owns the Chicago Bears.” It was classic Rodgers — confident, sharp-tongued, and guaranteed to stir up an already fired-up fanbase.
The Bears didn’t just win on the field; they won the moment. Rodgers words, meant to poke at Chicago’s long-running frustration with him, instead highlighted how different things feel in 2025. For the first time in years, the Bears were the ones controlling the narrative. Caleb Williams delivered a composed performance. Ben Johnson’s offense looked modern and prepared. And Chicago walked out with a victory that felt bigger than the scoreboard. The Bears are 8-3 and control their own destiny.
Rodgers has tormented the Bears for nearly two decades, so anytime he talks, fans listen — even when it’s from the sidelines. His declaration that he still “owns” the franchise would have stung in years past. This time, though, it almost sounded like a reminder of a chapter Chicago is finally closing.
The Bears may not be done hearing from Rodgers, but this Sunday belonged to them. They heard the trash talk. They took the jab. And they still walked away winners.
If football is about moments, then this was a rare one: the Bears didn’t just beat the Steelers — they beat the ghost of Aaron Rodgers, too. Even if he didn’t suit up on Sunday.
Mar 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) skates during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
For starters, he’s picked up 31 points in 22 games, with 13 goals and a +9 mark on the ice. He’s led the Blackhawks to shocking success in the standings, with the team battling to a 10-8-4 record through 22 games despite suffering three straight losses in the past week.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. A video of Bedard being confronted by a persistent autograph seeker in Buffalo went viral yesterday, sparking plenty of debate online over how far “autograph hounds” should be allowed to go when approaching athletes in public.
Connor Bedard of the NHL Chicago Blackhawks shows zero humanity to this guy in what would have taken 2 seconds to be a decent person. These sellouts are just under a lot of pressure right now, and not at peace. #NHL#bedardpic.twitter.com/EGZsIwETgX
The clip, originally filmed on TikTok by a man who goes by Autograph Joe and reposted to X by another user, shows Bedard walking down the street with teammates when he’s approached by Autograph Joe holding a magazine with Bedard on the cover. After Bedard declines, he keeps pressing, insisting that Bedard personalize the signature. Bedard eventually stopped to scribble a quick “signature” on the magazines and kept moving.
Despite Bedard ultimately signing, the X post blasting him—claiming he showed “zero humanity”—immediately picked up traction. The framing triggered a wave of backlash, but not toward Bedard. Instead, fans overwhelmingly defended the 20-year-old star and criticized the autograph seeker.
Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio weighed in:
Connor treats true fans really well. I’ve seen it firsthand many times. It’s these autograph-chasing resellers who cross the line man
Other fans quickly jumped in with photos and stories of Bedard signing for them. The difference is that those fans weren’t grown men with binders, special pens, and recording glasses. Some comments ridiculed him for not signing, noting that it only takes a few seconds, but it seems to be more about the principle.
The irony is that Bedard eventually signed, and still went viral. Pretty much a lose-lose situation. It seems he has made a few more fans by turning down the autograph hound, but that proves it’s impossible to stay out of the spotlight entirely as a sports superstar. Such is the price of fame.
Nov 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) reacts with wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) after catching a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears reached 8-3 with another heart-stopping victory on Sunday. This time it didn’t involve a late comeback. There was a new twist. Chicago built a 31-21 lead in the 4th quarter before another defensive snafu allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to close the gap with a touchdown. Chicago’s offense needed a few first downs to end it, but Kyle Monangai slipped on the turf during a pivotal play, resulting in a three-and-out. A defense that was down seven starters at that point somehow needed a stop.
Pittsburgh quickly drove to midfield. They still had a minute left. However, some quick incompletions set up 4th and 6. This was the game. Mason Rudolph fired to his left, but Jaquan Brisker got a hand on it to force the incompletion. Game over. Chicago escaped once again. The loss sent the Steelers to 6-5 and in serious danger of coughing up their divisional lead to the surging Baltimore Ravens. Needless to say, Pittsburgh fans aren’t handling it well. Their reactions to the loss were varied and colorful.
The Chicago Bears seem to have this effect on every fanbase.
They win the game, and everybody acts like it’s the end of the world. That is likely because the Chicago Bears have been a bad team for a long time. This is the first time they’ve been on the cusp of a winning record since 2018. They were 5-12 last year and one of the worst teams in football. When you’ve been an established, successful franchise like Pittsburgh for this long, losses like this can make you question everything. That is especially true when your opponent was missing half their defense and their top two left tackles.
Steelers fans shouldn’t feel bad. They aren’t the first ones to have this reaction. Cowboys fans did the same thing in September. Things seemed to work out fine for them as Dallas makes a late surge for the division. With luck, Pittsburgh won’t even remember this loss a month from now. Chicago will take their “lucky” win and file it with the seven others.
Nov 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) intercepts a pass against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Nahshon Wright’s journey to the top of the NFL interceptions leaderboard is nothing short of remarkable. With his jaw-dropping one-handed snag today — a play that instantly went viral — Wright is now tied with teammate Kevin Byard for an NFL-leading five interceptions. And according to him, that highlight-reel moment came naturally.
“I got a little bit of a receiver background, so I was able to get the little ‘Tony Toe Tap,’” Wright said with a smile after the game.
It’s hard not to appreciate the full scope of how far he’s come. Just last year, Wright was cut from the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, unsure of what his NFL future would look like. There were no guarantees, no promises, just the hope that another opportunity would come. Chicago gave him that chance — and he’s turned it into one of the league’s best breakout performances.
Wright has quickly evolved into one of the most dangerous ball hawks in football. His instincts, length, and aggressiveness at the catch point have made him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. He’s not just filling in — he has earned a starting role on a defense that desperately needed stability in a season full of injuries.
Nahshon Wright is now tied with teammate Kevin Byard for an NFL leading 5 INTS — today’s 1-handed grab, no exception…
“I got a little bit of a receiver background, so I was able to get the little ‘Tony Toe Tap’”
What makes this run even more impressive is how crucial he’s been while the Bears secondary has battled major absences. And once Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon return, this unit could become one of the most feared in the league.
No matter what happens next, Nahshon Wright’s rise is already one of the most inspiring stories of the season.
Nov 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) reacts with offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (75) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
If you’re still sleeping on the Chicago Bears, you must be in a damn coma. This 8-3 team just ripped off its fourth straight win — this time a 31-28 slugfest over the Pittsburgh Steelers — and they did it with half their defense duct-taped together. We’re talking no starting linebackers, backup corners, and still managed to smack around a playoff-caliber AFC team that came in hungry.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a flex. And five guys stood out like middle fingers to the league’s doubters.
Let’s get something straight — DJ Moore didn’t just show up Sunday. He broke out like a damn jailbreak. Two touchdowns, 64 yards on five grabs, and he made a pretty decent seconday look like they were running through pudding.
Moore hadn’t scored since Week 3. That’s 7 weeks of fantasy owners crying and media yapping about Caleb Williams not trusting his WR1. All that noise? Gone. Silenced by surgical route running, a perfectly sold out-and-in for a 5-yard score, and a 25-yard burner that snapped the game open on a free play.
Moore wasn’t just stat-padding. He re-established himself as the engine of the Bears’ passing attack. When he eats, this offense rolls — and Caleb knew it: “Getting DJ going… big for our confidence.” Damn right it is.
There’s dominance, and then there’s whatever the hell Montez Sweat did to Pittsburgh. Two sacks, three QB hits, and a strip-sack that turned into a 14-point swing. Man was in his bag.
Sweat’s strip-sack in the third quarter was peak predator mode — blew past Darnell Washington like he was nailed to the turf, punched the ball out of Mason Rudolph’s hands, and jumped on it himself. Dude created his own turnover buffet and feasted.
He’s now got sacks in 5 of his last 6 games. And let’s not forget, he did this with a patchwork secondary behind him and literally no starting linebackers. That’s elite disruption with the game hanging in the balance.
First drive of the game, Steelers moving the ball, and boom — Nahshon Wright snatches the soul out of the stadium with a filthy one-handed interception. That’s how you set a tone.
It was his fifth INT of the year, tying him with Kevin Byard III for the NFL lead. And this wasn’t some gift-wrapped duck. Wright made a leaping, twisting grab that looked more Cirque du Soleil than cover 2. That pick flipped the field and led to an early touchdown. Momentum? Flipped. Crowd? Lit. Steelers? Shook.
He’s not just filling in for injured corners — he’s outperforming most of the league’s starters. Wright’s ball skills are top shelf, and this kind of playmaking is why the Bears D keeps punching above its weight class. Keep sleeping on him, and he’ll keep taking your lunch money.
4. D’Marco Jackson
Every now and then, the football gods hand you a storybook moment. D’Marco Jackson lived it.
Zero starts before Sunday. Barely a blip outside special teams. But with Edwards, Edmunds, and Sewell all out, the green dot was his. And holy hell, he wore it like a general — 15 tackles, calling plays, and executing like a vet.
His prep was obsessive. Dude was rehearsing plays at home like he was cramming for the SATs. And it showed. He shut down Gainwell on third-and-short, was everywhere the ball went, and kept a no-name linebacker crew glued together.
This wasn’t “next man up.” This was “next man dominates.”
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland is turning into the real damn deal. Four catches, 49 yards, and a big-boy touchdown where he dragged a Steelers safety into the end zone like he owed him money.
He exposed a known Pittsburgh weakness (tight ends in the slot), and Caleb found him early and often. The chemistry’s growing, and Loveland’s consistency (five straight games with at least 3 catches and 34+ yards) makes him a weapon in the middle of the field.
This kid ain’t just a chain-mover. He’s a matchup nightmare. And as the Bears gear up for a brutal end-of-season gauntlet, Loveland might be the x-factor no one saw coming.
Honorable Mentions:
Amen Ogbongbemiga: 14 tackles with zero practice reps? That’s grind.
Kyle Monangai: 3rd straight game with a rushing TD. Give the man his flowers.
Caleb Williams: Shaky completion rate, but 3 TDs, 0 picks, and serious bounce-back swagger.
Final Verdict
Four straight wins. 8-3. Top of the NFC North. And they just beat a playoff-level team with half their starters watching in hoodies.
This Bears team doesn’t just survive adversity — they turn it into highlight reels. From stars delivering in crunch time to backups balling out like starters, this Week 12 win was the blueprint of a complete team effort.
You think Philly, Green Bay, Detroit, and San Fran are looking forward to this version of Chicago? Hell no.
Strap in. The Bears aren’t just hunting playoff spots — they’re coming for blood.
Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson stands on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
In the aftermath of the Bears victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, former NFL superstar and current broadcaster JJ Watt offered one of the strongest public endorsements yet of Chicago’s new franchise pairing: head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams.
Watt, who called the game from the broadcast booth, praised Williams poise and command despite a few throws the second-year quarterback “may be frustrated he missed.” Still, Williams delivered a 3 touchdown, 0-interception performance on a day when the run game wasn’t its usual strength. According to Watt, that’s exactly what great quarterbacks do — step up when their team needs them most.
I thought he played really well today.
There are certainly a few throws he may be frustrated he missed, but 3 TD/0 INT on a day the run game wasn’t quite what it normally is, he stepped up and led the day.
OL did a great job protecting him today too, outside of the one strip… https://t.co/Dh8ekUsS3W
Watt also highlighted the offensive line’s protection, noting they kept Williams clean all afternoon outside of the lone strip-sack touchdown. But the most compelling part of Watt’s analysis centered on Ben Johnson, the rookie head coach Chicago has pinned its future on.
“Ben Johnson is the real deal,” Watt said. “He minimizes risk for his players while taking full advantage of weaknesses in defenses. His personality and leadership are phenomenal. He’s been spectacular in our meetings so far this year.”
Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen after the Bears defense gets the stop to win the game.
Those comments carry serious weight coming from a future Hall of Famer known for his honesty and high standards. And the early returns reflect exactly what he’s describing: a young quarterback thriving in a system custom-built for him, and a head coach already establishing a clear identity.
It’s still early, as Watt emphasized, but based on everything we’ve seen so far, the Bears may have finally found the pairing they’ve been searching for — a star quarterback and a head coach capable of elevating him.
Chicago Bears: The Most Dangerous 8-3 Team in Football
