Dallas Braden on How to Get to the Big Leagues When You’re Not a Top Prospect
Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford
Release Date: 12/10/2024
Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford
Welcome back to The Most Valuable Agent podcast! In this power-packed episode, Matt and Brian Hannaford unpack one of the most critical—but often misunderstood—aspects of a player’s career: how to actually maximize your relationship with your agent. Whether you're navigating college recruiting, exploring NIL deals, entering the MLB Draft, or managing life in pro ball—having an agent isn’t enough. You need to know how to be a strategic partner in your own success. From walking on at Arizona State to negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts, Matt and Brian share lessons learned on...
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In the second part, of this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, former MLB catcher and World Series champion Kurt Suzuki joins host Matt Hannaford to share his journey from overlooked Hawaii high school athlete to 16-year Major League veteran. Kurt dives into the ups and downs of walking on at Cal State Fullerton, grinding through the minors, and eventually becoming one of the most respected catchers in the game—with an All-Star nod and a World Series ring to show for it. Whether you're a baseball parent, aspiring player, or travel ball coach, this episode delivers real talk, mindset...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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info_outlineWhat does it really take to defy the odds, going from an overlooked underdog to an MLB player? In this episode, I sit down with former MLB pitcher, Dallas Braden. We break down what good representation in the MLB draft really looks like, and the challenges of being an overlooked prospect. Dallas shares the mindset, lessons, and advice that shaped his Major League Baseball career and transformed his approach on the mound. He also opens up about the impact of his grandmother's unwavering support and the lessons parents need to hear about setting realistic expectations to manage the player’s pressures of travel ball. Tune in to learn how to rise above systemic challenges and adversity.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet Dallas Braden, former MLB pitcher.
05:00 What advice transformed your approach to pitching?
10:00 Why junior college was a "launching pad" for Dallas’ career.
16:15 Advice for parents on setting realistic expectations.
22:30 How parents' behavior affects a player’s future.
25:00 What good representation in the MLB draft really looks like.
31:30 The mindset that turns an underdog into a Major League pitcher.
38:00 The story behind Dallas’ perfect game on Mother’s Day.
44:45 What parents need to know about managing travel ball schedules.
54:45 Who should young players watch to learn how to play the game the right way?
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
Dallas Braden: @the209mayor