Let's have some fun - hot takes for the 2026 baseball season

With opening day today, I thought it could be a little fun to make some "hot takes" and then maybe check back mid season and postseason to see just how hot they ended up being. I meant to start this thread a few days ago, but I'm a master procrastinator and so I'm just getting to it 2 hours before first pitch. Me =

First, I'm going with Jaden Noot will end up as the Friday night starter by regular season's end. This isn't a shot at anyone else in the rotation. I think Noot has the potential to be really good this year. He started showing flashes of it last year. He also seems to throw so effortlessly and can potentially give you the length you're looking for out of a starter. I also thought about putting Cooper Williams here, as I think he's going to have an excellent season, but figured I'd go with just 1 of them.

Second, Mason Braun will lead the team in home runs. After some of the reports coming out of preseason, this may not be as hot of a take as it could've been, but he's still a freshman and this would also require him to be the DH all season long. I'm going to say he gets that shot and doesn't waste it. I think he'll lead the team with around 20 HRs on the season.

Third, Jake Brown aka Rake Brown, will hit over .400 this year. I know he had some struggles hitting left handers at time last year, but with him not splitting time this year, I think he'll get into a groove and not only hit over .400, but will also hit 15 HRs to go along with that awesome average.

Finally, this last one may be the most difficult one to achieve. I predict that once the season starts, I won't call for the firing of Nate Yeskie, not even once. I'm not confident at all in this one, but hot takes are supposed to be a little outlandish and after last year, this might be the most outlandish take I have to offer. On that note, since the season hasn't started yet, let me get one more out the way... Fire Nate Noskie! Our pitcher was up 0-2 and this dude gets cute and starts trying to get the batter to chase and now the pitcher walked him. How much longer is Jay going to put up with this? Yeskie has to go!
Thanks for listening, that was very therapeutic and it felt good to get that out the way.

Anywho, anyone else have a hot take they'd like to share with the class? After the football and basketball seasons we watched/are watching, I'm excited baseball season is finally upon us.