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

450 MLB Draft Picks: Inside the Canes Baseball Dynasty 07/02/2025

450 MLB Draft Picks: Inside the Canes Baseball Dynasty Have you ever faced that crossroads—losing your competitive edge but gaining a higher calling in the game you love? In this episode, Jeff Petty shares how an average college player found purpose as a coach and built one of the nation’s top travel baseball programs. What You’ll Learn How to shift from playing to coaching with purpose Why truth-telling in evaluations is key for athlete development How elite travel programs prepare players mentally and physically What coaches and college scouts truly look for in players Balancing roles, failure, and obsession on the path to the big leagues From the outset, Jeff unpacks his journey—from being a strong but not standout high school player to playing Division II baseball, where he realized professional play wasn’t in his future. That moment became his life’s pivot: “I knew there was no world where I wasn't in baseball—I loved it too much,” he explains. Early on, Jeff committed to coaching, driven by passion and the mentorship of coaches at UNC Pembroke. Fast-forward to 2005, when Jeff co-founded Cane’s Baseball: a revolutionary travel program that went national in pursuit of elite prospects. By venturing beyond regional borders and partnering with brands like EvoShield, Jeff expanded his network, built credibility, and now boasts over 40 MLB draft picks and 4,000+ college scholarship athletes. One of the most compelling insights Jeff shares is Cane’s truth-first evaluation process. “If you can’t handle someone telling you the truth, we won’t take you,” he says, highlighting that it’s not about prestige, but performance and honest communication. This ethos empowers kids to understand their true ceiling and how to reach it—whether that lands them in Division I, II, or D3 programs, junior colleges, or pro leagues. Jeff and Matt dive deeper into the player-coach-parent dynamic, emphasizing role clarity and development over superficial exposure. Preparation isn’t just on the field—it’s mental. Elite programs treat athletes like professionals: using early scrimmages, strength coaches, iPad communication systems, and detailed preparation routines. Their goal? Make failure a safe learning environment so players are dialed in when it counts. They also address character—team-first mentality versus selfishness—as a non-negotiable trait. College coaches don’t just want talent; they want humility, resilience, and accountability. Jeff’s mantra for players: ask hard questions of your coaches. Know who's evaluating you. Know the commitment expectations. Own your path. This episode is a masterclass in elite youth baseball culture—combining storytelling, strategic insight, and practical advice for players, parents, and coaches alike. Loved Jeff’s passion for honest player development? Be sure to subscribe, hit like, and leave a comment on what resonated most—“truth evaluation” or “performance preparation”? Share this video with a teammate or coach who could benefit! ___ Jeff Petty – CEO and Head Coach at Cane’s Baseball, one of the country’s leading travel organizations. With over two decades of coaching and mentorship, Jeff has guided more than 4,000 players to college baseball and helped over 40 athletes reach the MLB draft. Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW Canes Baseball: Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/37237870

How Baseball Cards Build Early-Career Equity: What Baseball Families Should Know 06/25/2025

How Baseball Cards Build Early-Career Equity: What Baseball Families Should Know Ever wonder how baseball players get their own trading cards? What makes a rookie card valuable—or even collectible at all? In this episode, Matt sits down with Kevin Eger, VP of Athlete Partnerships at Fanatics Collectibles (Topps), to pull back the curtain on the trading card industry. Subscribe and explore the business behind the cardboard! What You’ll Learn: How athletes get selected for trading cards What makes a rookie card officially a “rookie” The behind-the-scenes timeline from draft day to card release Why autographs and “on-card” signatures matter How NIL and social media are reshaping sports collectibles Tips for players and families navigating the evolving card space Trading cards have been part of childhood for generations—but the business behind them is anything but child’s play. Kevin Eger, a key player at Fanatics (Topps), gives us a rare look inside how athletes—from MLB stars to college prospects—become collectible icons. Kevin shares how he started his career as a baseball editor, choosing which players appeared on cards and what images represented them. Now, he manages partnerships with athletes and agents, coordinating deals that range from autograph signings to storytelling content and social media activations. It’s about more than cardboard—it’s about crafting legacy and connecting athletes with fans. Parents of rising stars will also find value here: with the rise of NIL deals and social influence, players can build personal brands earlier than ever. But for Topps, the journey usually begins with the MLB draft—then flows through the minor leagues, rookie cards, and eventually, superstar status. Enjoyed this insider peek at the trading card world? Subscribe now, leave a review, and share this episode with a baseball fan or aspiring pro in your life! Learn more: Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/37134960

The MLB Star Nobody Saw Coming: Mauricio Dubón's Underdog Story 06/18/2025

The MLB Star Nobody Saw Coming: Mauricio Dubón's Underdog Story Mauricio Dubón’s Underdog Journey to the Big Leagues They said he was too small. Too quiet. From a country that "doesn’t play baseball." Mauricio Dubón was never supposed to make it. But he did — and he didn’t just make it. He became a World Series champion. In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, MLB agent Matt Hannaford sits down with Houston Astros utility star Mauricio Dubón to uncover the real story behind one of the most unlikely journeys in baseball. From shagging balls in Honduras to stepping in for José Altuve and going on a 20-game hit streak, Dubón’s story is about more than baseball — it’s about identity, grit, adaptability, and never waiting for permission. What You’ll Learn: How to flip rejection into motivation Why being a “utility guy” is a mindset — and an edge What separates players who rise from the ones who fade The mental shift that changed Dubón’s entire career How to lead with hunger, not ego — and why that matters If this story hits home, subscribe and drop us a 5⭐️review on Apple or Spotify. Your support fuels conversations like this one. Guest Bio: Mauricio Dubón is a professional MLB utility player for the Houston Astros and 2022 World Series champion. Born in Honduras, he became the first MLB player from his country and has played for the Red Sox, Brewers, Giants, and Astros. 🎙️ About the Show: Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford dives deep into the stories, mindset, and behind-the-scenes realities of elite athletes, coaches, and decision-makers in baseball and beyond. Subscribe now. These stories change the game. Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content: ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW Mauricio Dubón: Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/37042720

The Truth About Draft Day: What Parents and Players Get Wrong 06/11/2025

Inside the Mind of an MLB GM: Zack Scott on Draft Strategy, Data & Developing Big Leaguers 06/03/2025

Here’s What MLB Scouts Actually Look For (It’s Not What You Think) 05/28/2025

The Spirit of the Game ft. Johan Martinez-Khalilian 05/21/2025

Train Like a Top Draft Pick—The Habits of Baseball’s Best Teens 05/14/2025

The Million Dollar Question: Sign Now or Go to College? 05/07/2025

Travel Team Spotlight: Inside 5 Star National with Andy Burress 04/30/2025

Travel Team Spotlight: Inside 5 Star National with Andy Burress In this premiere Travel Team Spotlight episode of The Most Valuable Agent podcast, we sit down with Andy Burress—former Reds draft pick and founder of Five Star National, one of the most successful and expansive travel baseball programs in the country. From his playing days to building a 50+ location organization (spanning the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia), Andy opens up about the realities of youth baseball—the wins, the mistakes, and the deeper mission behind it all. You’ll hear how his son Drew Burress (a Georgia Tech standout) developed as a player, and why Five Star’s model focuses on accountability, structure, and long-term growth—not just exposure or trophies. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Five Star National became a standout in the world of travel baseball The biggest misconceptions about “development vs. showcasing” What really helps players succeed in college recruiting Why failure, structure, and accountability matter more than early wins How Andy approached his own son’s development—and what you can learn from it Key advice for parents navigating the travel ball journey ⚾️ Know a baseball parent or coach who needs to hear this? 📤 Share this episode and help spread insights from one of the game’s most respected voices. 👍 Like if you’ve ever struggled with balancing development and exposure. 💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway—we read every one! Resources & Mentions: Five Star National: Georgia Tech Baseball: PG Baseball (Perfect Game): Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW 5 Star National Baseball: Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/36361975

Getting the Most from Your Agent at Every Stage of Your Career 04/23/2025

Getting the Most from Your Agent at Every Stage of Your Career 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 both sides of the player-agent relationship—along with hard truths every athlete and family should hear. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why college baseball is now a business—and how to approach it like one How NIL and the transfer portal have changed the game forever The “freedom point” every player should define to stay grounded How your honesty, interest, and communication affect your agent’s ability to advocate for you The #1 mistake players make when choosing an agent What a great agent-client relationship really looks like (spoiler: it’s not hand-holding) A behind-the-scenes look at the Austin Riley extension and what it reveals about long-term planning The 7 essential questions every player should ask before signing with any agent This episode isn’t just about representation—it’s a masterclass in agency, alignment, and personal ownership. If you're a player, parent, or coach looking to navigate the complex world of college recruiting, NIL, and pro baseball with clarity and confidence—this one’s for you. 👉 Ready to take control of your future? Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content: ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW Brian Hannaford: Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/36263980

Tony Clark on Player Power, Purpose, and the Future 04/17/2025

Pitch Smarter, Not Harder: MLB Lessons with Tyler Zombro 04/16/2025

Pitch Smarter, Not Harder: MLB Lessons with Tyler Zombro What does it really take to go from overlooked to overachiever in professional baseball? In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with Tyler Zombro—a former undrafted pitcher who battled his way to Triple-A and now serves as Special Assistant of Pitching for the Chicago Cubs. Tyler’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless improvement. From setbacks and injuries to shaping how MLB teams develop arms today, his journey is packed with lessons for players, coaches, and anyone navigating the evolving world of baseball. Whether you're chasing a roster spot, building a development system, or guiding a young athlete, this episode dives deep into the data, biomechanics, and mindset reshaping pitching at every level. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Tyler’s journey from undrafted free agent to AAA pitcher and front office exec unfolded ✅ Why command, pitch design, and self-awareness often trump velocity ✅ The real role of data in modern pitching development and talent evaluation ✅ How to build a plan for adding velo, refining pitch shapes, and avoiding injury ✅ What makes Tread Athletics different—and how it helped top arms like Cole Ragans ✅ Why transparent communication is the missing ingredient in many MLB organizations ✅ What amateur and pro players should consider when choosing a team, coach, or plan ✅ The importance of player development systems, biomechanics, and long-term strategy ✅ How teams like the Cubs and Dodgers build winning culture by maximizing undervalued arms ✅ Why mental models, adaptability, and understanding your identity matter more than ever 🔔 Subscribe for weekly baseball insights from the game’s brightest minds 📤 Share this with a teammate, coach, or young pitcher on the rise Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content: ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW Tyler Zombro: Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/36155685

How Kurt Suzuki Beat the Odds: College Baseball, Mental Toughness & the Big Leagues 04/09/2025

How Kurt Suzuki Beat the Odds: College Baseball, Mental Toughness & the Big Leagues 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 shifts, and hard-earned wisdom you won’t hear in typical recruiting conversations. What You’ll Learn from This Episode: ✅ Growing up in Hawaii: Challenges and cultural uniqueness in pursuing baseball ✅ Choosing a walk-on opportunity over a full scholarship ✅ The mental edge: How Kurt built confidence and caught the eye of scouts ✅What college baseball really teaches you ✅ The game-changing mindset shift that transformed Kurt’s career ✅ Fullerton's legendary run to the College World Series ✅ The truth about travel ball, exposure, and scholarships for young athletes ✅ The problem with ego in youth baseball and how to develop winning players ✅ The role of parents: What every sports parent should (and shouldn’t) do ✅The value of choosing the right agent and building long-term trust Whether you’re navigating youth baseball politics, making a college decision, or working your way through the minors, Kurt offers grounded wisdom, real stories, and actionable insight. Subscribe for weekly interviews with athletes, coaches, and pros sharing lessons you won’t learn on the field. 📍 Check out more on Kurt Suzuki and PONO Baseball: Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content: ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW Kurt Suzuki: Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/36053945

How Kurt Suzuki Went from Walk-On to World Series Champion 04/02/2025

How Kurt Suzuki Went from Walk-On to World Series Champion 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: ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW Kurt Suzuki: Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/35960075

He Coached His Son to the MLB Draft—Craig Holman on What Really Matters 03/26/2025

He Coached His Son to the MLB Draft—Craig Holman on What Really Matters 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 ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW Craig Holman: Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/35856840

MLB Draft or College? – Auburn Coach Karl Nonemaker on Choosing the Right Path 03/19/2025

MLB Draft or College? – Auburn Coach Karl Nonemaker on Choosing the Right Path 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 ___ RESOURCES + LINKS : 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? FOLLOW Karl Nonemaker: Matt Hannaford: /episode/index/show/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/id/35747915