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Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford — Baseball
Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford

Welcome to Most Valuable Agent – the podcast that gives baseball players, prospects, and fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in professional baseball.

Hosted by Matt Hannaford, a Major League Baseball agent with years of experience in contract negotiations and player representation, this channel is a must-watch for:
• Athletes looking to advance their careers
• Parents supporting young players
• Baseball fans who want a deeper understanding of the game beyond the field

What You’ll Learn:
• MLB Contracts & Draft Insights – How players get signed, negotiate contracts, and maximize opportunities
• The Business of Baseball – Arbitration, free agency, and how teams evaluate talent
• Expert Interviews & Analysis – Conversations with players, scouts, and insiders
• MLB News & Market Trends – Breaking down trades, signings, and player negotiations

👉 Subscribe now for exclusive insights from one of baseball’s top agents! New episodes weekly.

You can watch the full episodes on The Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent

Copyright: Alignd©

Latest Episodes:

How Kurt Suzuki Went from Walk-On to World Series Champion Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Think making it to the MLB is all about raw talent? Think again.

Kurt Suzuki's journey from an overlooked Hawaiian athlete to a 16-year MLB career proves that mindset, adaptability, and persistence matter more than anything else.

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, World Series champion Kurt Suzuki sits down with host Matt to share his unfiltered story—from walking on at Cal State Fullerton to winning a College World Series and ultimately thriving in the big leagues.

Whether you're a youth baseball player, parent navigating travel ball politics, or just a fan of underdog success stories, this episode is packed with must-know lessons on perseverance, mental toughness, and making the most of every opportunity.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

⚾️ The challenges of being a baseball prospect from Hawaii

⚾️ Why exposure and opportunity outweigh raw talent in recruiting

⚾️ How Kurt turned down a full-ride to walk on at Fullerton… and why

⚾️ The mindset shift that changed everything, thanks to Ken Ravizza

⚾️ The story behind becoming a national champion and Johnny Bench Award winner

⚾️ How humility, adaptability, and being a "winning player" matter more than stats

⚾️ Advice for parents navigating youth baseball and travel ball politics 🧠

⚾️ Behind-the-scenes insights on agents, the business of MLB, and staying in the bigs

💥 This isn't just a story about baseball—it's about life, mindset, perseverance, and becoming undeniable. Whether you're a youth athlete, parent, coach, or fan of the game, you'll walk away with a new perspective on what it takes to compete—and win—at the highest level.

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content: https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

He Coached His Son to the MLB Draft—Craig Holman on What Really Matters Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

What if everything you thought about youth baseball, travel ball, and scholarships was upside down? In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Most Valuable Agent, host Matt sits down with former pro pitcher, travel ball coach, and baseball dad Craig Holman—father of LSU standout and MLB Draft pick Luke Holman.

This isn't just about rankings, exposure, or getting a D1 scholarship. This is about what really matters—the relationship between parent and child, the power of presence, and how chasing the wrong things can rob families of the joy that sports are supposed to bring.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ "Be a Dad First" – Why your relationship matters more than your kid's batting average ✅ Development > Exposure – The dangerous lie most travel baseball families believe ✅ The College Decision – What every parent should know before their child commits ✅ Coaching Without Regret – How to pour into your kids without expecting a return ✅ Visualizing Success – The mental strategies Craig used as a pro and taught his kids ✅ Lessons from the Draft Process – What Craig learned representing his own son ✅ The Wolf at the Door – Why staying uncomfortable can be the greatest gift ✅ The Most Important Investment – Why time spent with your child is the ultimate ROI

Whether you're a baseball parent, aspiring athlete, or coach, this episode is a masterclass in humility, leadership, and legacy.

📲 SHARE this episode with a coach, parent, or athlete who needs to hear the truth Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Craig Holman: @craigholman35

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

MLB Draft or College? – Auburn Coach Karl Nonemaker on Choosing the Right Path Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Want to play college baseball or go pro? This episode is a must-hear! Auburn University assistant head coach Karl Nonemaker joins the podcast to discuss the college baseball recruiting process, the impact of the transfer portal, and how players can make the best decision between playing at the collegiate level and going pro.

Karl shares valuable insights from his experience as both a player and a D1 coach, offering real-world advice for high school athletes, parents, and aspiring college baseball players. If you're wondering how to stand out in the recruiting process, what SEC baseball is really like, or how to navigate the draft vs. college decision, this episode has the answers. The decisions you make NOW will shape your future.

Don't get left behind - learn what it takes to play at the next level.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✅ The reality of SEC baseball – Why it's one of the most competitive conferences in the country. ✅ Should you go pro or play in college? – Breaking down the factors that influence this critical decision. ✅ How to stand out in recruiting – What coaches actually look for in players. ✅ The impact of the transfer portal & NIL – How college baseball has evolved in the last few years. ✅ Social media & recruiting – How players can use video and social platforms to get noticed. ✅ Roster size changes & player development – What it means for incoming freshmen and two-way players.

If you're serious about baseball and want to learn from a top-level coach, hit play now!

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Karl Nonemaker: @knonemak

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

The Mental Trick That Made Sean Casey an MLB All-Star Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

What separates good athletes from elite performers? It's not just talent—it's mental discipline. In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Sean Casey, former MLB All-Star and performance coach, breaks down the mental game of baseball and how mastering your mindset can transform your performance on and off the field.

Sean shares how Harvey Dorfman's book, The Mental Game of Baseball, completely changed his approach to the game, giving him a sixth tool—the ability to stay calm, focused, and confident under pressure. He reveals how mental toughness helped him go from being overlooked in high school to becoming one of the best hitters in the country.

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What You'll Learn from This Episode: ✔️ Why 80-90% of baseball is mental—but few players train their mindset ✔️ How Sean Casey used visualization & breathing techniques to stay locked in at the plate ✔️ Lessons from Ken Griffey Sr. & the legends of the game that shaped his career ✔️ Why players fail at showcases—and how to dominate at game time ✔️ The power of self-belief & outworking the competition

Unlock the Mental Edge to Dominate in Baseball & Life!

Sean Casey isn't just talking theory—he lived it. If you're an athlete, coach, or competitor looking for an edge, this is the episode to watch.

📌 Check out Sean's 8 Week mental performance program: https://www.seancaseylive.com/breakthroughpro

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Sean Casey: @themayorsofficemlb

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Johan Martinez-Khalilian's Life-Changing Advice to Conquer Fear & Unlock Your True Purpose Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

What if fear wasn't a barrier but an invitation to step into something greater?

In this powerful episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, Matt welcomes Johan Martinez-Khalilian—an award-winning speaker, mentor, and life coach to professional athletes—to dive deep into personal growth, resilience, and redefining success.

Johan shares his profound insights on breaking free from limiting beliefs, stepping outside your comfort zone, and embracing transformation—whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to create a meaningful impact.

This episode will challenge the way you think about fear, leadership, and success, offering actionable strategies to push past self-doubt and level up in your life and career.

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What You'll Learn from This Episode:

✅ Why redefining success is crucial for long-term fulfillment

✅ How fear can actually guide you toward your true calling

✅ The power of adaptability in personal and professional growth

✅ Why transactional relationships hold people back

✅ What it means to be irreplaceable in your field and in life Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Johan Martinez-Khalilian: @johanspeaks

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Inside Athlete Marketing: NIL, Branding & Baseball's Future with Adidas' Charley Stobbs Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

What does it really take to land an endorsement deal? In this episode, I sit down with Charley Stobbs, U.S. Sports Marketing Director for Adidas Baseball and Football, to break down the business of branding & sponsorships in sports — including the differences between NIL in baseball vs. football, how social media is reshaping athlete branding, and what young players need to do to build real marketing value. We talk about how brands like Adidas select their athletes, and why performance matters more than just hype. Charley also shares why East Coast Pro is a must-attend event, what brands look for beyond talent, and how sponsorship deals have evolved in today's game.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Charley Stobbs, U.S. Sports Marketing Director for Adidas Baseball and Football.

07:30 How has athlete marketing changed with social media?

12:45 What Adidas looks for when signing players to sponsorship deals.

18:00 What athletes need to know about brand partnerships beyond wearing the gear.

24:00 How brands strategize around signing athletes with All-Star potential.

27:00 How player brand transitions happen when switching from one major brand to another.

29:45 The underrated factor that can make or break an athlete's brand potential.

33:45 Advice for young athletes looking to land a brand deal.

38:00 When should parents start thinking about athlete branding for their kids?

44:30 What young players should focus on instead of social media hype.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Charley Stobbs: @cstobbs2

Tyler Zombro on Pitching Development, Data Analytics, and Navigating the Business of Baseball Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Pitching development has changed dramatically over the last decade. In this episode, I am joined by Tyler Zombro, the Special Assistant to the Cubs Pitching Director. We talk about the biggest developments in pitching – why velocity isn't everything, how pitch shapes and biomechanics change the way pitchers train, and how organizations like the Cubs use data to maximize every arm in their system. Plus, we dive into the critical aspect of transparency between teams and players, the mistakes players and parents are making in youth baseball, and what free agents need to consider before signing with a team.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 What are the controllables that determine pitching success?

06:15 The mental shift that pitchers must make to survive in pro baseball.

10:30 The turning point that made Tyler realize he wanted to help other pitchers succeed.

17:00 What happens when a pitcher walks into Tread Athletics for the first time?

20:15 The difference between private pitching development vs MLB front office.

28:00 One thing every free agent should demand from teams before signing.

36:30 Why the right organization matters more than the signing bonus.

43:00 How minor adjustments in pitch usage turned pitchers into multi-millionaires.

47:45 The risks of forcing mechanical changes that don't fit a pitcher's body.

50:00 What parents of young pitchers need to stop doing immediately.

52:00 The surprising pitch that's dominating modern baseball.

53:15 The pitching metric that reveals if a pitcher will succeed in the big leagues.

58:15 When is the right age for a player to start throwing a breaking ball?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Tyler Zombro: @t_zombro42

Opportunities Over Excuses: KC Royals Hitting Coach, Keoni DeRenne's, Message to Young Baseball Players Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

The jump from amateur baseball to the big leagues is bigger than most people realize. In today's episode, I'm joined by Keoni DeRenne, Assistant Major League Hitting Coach for the Kansas City Royals, to break down the realities of making it to the pros. He shares the hidden struggles of big leaguers and what truly separates them from everyone else. We talk about what parents need to do differently when talking to their kids about the game, how young players should structure their training, and what every aspiring pro needs to be thinking about NOW if they want to make it.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 The common pitfall parents make when coaching their kids after a game.

07:30 How has baseball changed over the last 15-20 years?

12:15 The hardest part about transitioning from playing to coaching in the big leagues.

17:45 How does music impact player performance and mindset?

22:30 The best way to approach players struggling with performance slumps.

29:15 How parents can support their kids in baseball without adding pressure.

35:15 How can players develop a drill package from tee work to live BP?

40:00 What mindset and process does it really take to make it to the big leagues?

45:45 What are the biggest challenges for youth and travel baseball players from Hawaii?

53:45 How former Hawaiian pros stay connected and mentor the next generation.

56:15 The one thing every aspiring major leaguer should pay attention to.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Keoni DeRenne: @kepony__derenne

Kurt Suzuki: From College Walk-On to World Series Champion, Assistant to the GM, and Travel Baseball Coach Part 2 Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

What defines a winning player from the rest? In this episode, I'm joined again by World Series Champion and MLB All-Star Kurt Suzuki for part two of our conversation. We break down what it takes to develop a winning mindset that opens up doors to opportunity, both in baseball and in life. Kurt shares his wisdom as a player, coach, and parent in creating positive team chemistry to navigate the decision-making process of youth baseball and the business of baseball. Tune in to discover the traits and habits young players need to succeed!

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 The biggest benefits of building college team culture.

06:45 Why team chemistry remains critical (even at the professional level).

12:45 Josh Donaldson's transition from catcher to third baseman.

21:00 How Kurt went from MLB player to front office leadership.

29:00 The ideal role of parents in supporting young athletes.

33:45 Why being coachable and open-minded transforms a player's career.

36:00 What players need to know about the business side of baseball.

44:30 Advice for parents and players navigating the business of baseball.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

Kurt Suzuki: From College Walk-On to World Series Champion, Assistant to the GM, and Travel Baseball Coach Part 1 Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Get ready to discover how you go from college walk-on to World Series Champion. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and former client, Kurt Suzuki. He shares what it takes to compete at the highest level, the critical role of mental preparation, and why short-term goals are important for long-term success. Plus, he shares the best life-changing advice he received from legendary sports psychologist Ken Ravizza to stand out and compete as an elite player.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Kurt Suzuki, College World Series and MLB World Series Champion.

05:00 How do players overcome the challenges of growing up with limited exposure to scouts?

09:15 When did you realize you could compete at the highest level?

14:00 The risks of today's travel ball culture and why polished players are becoming rare.

19:00 How to stand out and catch the attention of scouts.

22:30 Lessons from legendary sports psychologist Ken Ravizza.

26:00 Ways to overcome injury fears and confidence.

31:00 BTS stories from the 2004 College World Series Championship run.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

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