x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

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

sports baseball

All Episodes

12:57

Top 5 Traits Travel Ball Players Must Have

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/09/29

Want to know the five real traits of big league cool for travel ball players? ⚾ Learn how to earn respect and play with purpose. Subscribe now! In this episode of The Most Valuable Agent Podcast, host Matt Hannaford shares what truly sets big leaguers apart—and it’s not chains, bat flips, or walk-up songs. These five traits reveal how young players can gain the respect of teammates, coaches, scouts, and even opponents. What You’ll Learn The difference between confidence and ego How to enjoy the

en

51:10

The Dark Side of NIL Contracts: How Athletes Get Trapped

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/09/24

On this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, Matt Hannaford brings on top sports attorney Ben Levine, who represents high-profile athletes and entertainers. Together, they break down the fast-changing NIL landscape and explain what parents, players, and advisors need to know before signing any deal. From the Reggie Bush and Jameis Winston controversies to today’s multimillion-dollar NIL contracts, Matt and Ben highlight how quickly the game has changed—and how dangerous it can be to overlook

en

13:15

Travel Baseball: How Your Son's Response Will Shape...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/09/22

In this solo episode, Matt brings you inside the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego, where he spoke to a room of baseball parents about the truth behind the draft, development, and success in this game. You’ll hear the story of two very different players—one who looked like a sure thing, the other overlooked and doubted. Both were drafted the same year, same organization, same position… but their careers couldn’t have been more different. This isn’t just about prospects or draft

en

01:21:18

From Travel Ball to Pro Ball: Former All-Star on What...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/09/17

From high school stardom to becoming an MLB All-Star, Derek Norris shares the raw truth about the draft process, the grind of the minor leagues, and how catching has evolved. ⚾ Subscribe for more insider baseball stories! In this episode, former MLB All-Star catcher Derek Norris sits down with Matt to break down his journey through the game. From the emotional rollercoaster of draft day to grinding through rookie ball, Derek opens up about what it really takes to succeed in professional baseball. He

en

01:00:55

Inside the Draft: A Scouting Director’s Message to...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/09/15

What do MLB scouts really look for in players and families? In this episode, Matt Hannaford unpacks one of the most honest scouting director talks ever shared with Perfect Game All-American families. From multi-sport athletes to classroom behavior, in-home visits, and the critical factor of signability, this episode dives into the real conversations scouts have behind the scenes. Matt Hannaford brings an advisor’s perspective to help families and players understand how scouts evaluate talent, on

en

01:07:04

SEC Recruiting Myths Busted: What Matters To A...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/09/10

In this episode Matt sits down with Brock Bennett, Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Georgia, to talk about the realities of SEC recruiting, what makes a “Bulldog” player, how families can best navigate the recruiting process, and why honesty and communication are crucial. Brock shares insights from his playing days at Alabama, his time in professional baseball, and his current role at Georgia—helping families understand what it really takes to compete at the highest level of college

en

01:10:51

The Dad Effect: How Travel Ball Parenting Limits...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/09/03

In this episode Matt sits down with Johan Martinez-Khalilian to explore a powerful and often overlooked dynamic in youth and professional sports: the role of fathers (and parents) in shaping athletes’ journeys. Through raw stories, personal reflection, and lessons learned from working with elite athletes, this conversation dives into how parents can either empower or unintentionally hold back their children — on and off the field. 👉 Topics we cover in this episode: How fathers impact their

en

54:24

CBA Baseball’s Formula for Success: From Travel Ball...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/08/27

In this episode, Matt sits down with Jon Paino, longtime coach, teacher, and one of the architects behind CBA Baseball. From starting the program in honor of pioneer Mike Spears, to shaping a culture that develops players on and off the field, Jon shares the lessons that have helped CBA produce 1,400+ college commitments, 185 draft picks, and 23 MLB players (and counting). 💡 This conversation dives deep into: How Jon pivoted from a sudden end to his playing career into coaching. The founding

en

01:30:37

One Last Shot At MLB: Anthony Banda’s Journey to The...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/08/20

What does it really take to make it in the big leagues and stay there? In this emotional and eye-opening episode, LA Dodgers pitcher and World Series Champion Anthony Banda shares his raw, unfiltered journey through baseball’s toughest trials. Subscribe now for more powerful sports stories and lessons! What You’ll Learn: The truth about life in the minor leagues (it’s not what you think) How Anthony Banda bounced back after Tommy John surgery and nearly quitting What it's like being traded

en

01:12:28

More Than Travel Ball: Michael Garciaparra's...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/08/13

Discover the truth about player development with Michael Garciaparra: former first-round pick, pro scout for the St. Louis Cardinals, and founder of GBG, a college and pro development powerhouse. Subscribe now! What You’ll Learn: How MLB scouting has changed over the last 20 years The real value of rankings and how scouts filter hype Why multi-sport athletes often stand out in baseball GBG’s mission to be a development program, not just a travel team The “Cardinal Way” approach to makeup,

en

50:11

Navigating Youth Travel Baseball in 2025 - Truths You...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/08/06

Parents and players, STOP stressing about the travel baseball grind! In this powerful episode, Matt sits down with four insiders: Craig Holman, Andy Burress, Jeff Petty, and Matthew Maniscalco to reveal what really matters when chasing college scholarships and pro dreams. Subscribe now for real talk on youth baseball development and exposure! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The #1 mistake most baseball parents make (and how to avoid it). How exposure camps and showcases can hurt your chances

en

45:17

Baseball Parents Ask… I Answer: Honest Advice on...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/07/23

Struggling to make sense of travel ball, recruiting, and what actually matters? This episode is your guide. Subscribe for weekly real-talk. What You’ll Learn: How to evaluate costly academies and private coaching What scouts and college coaches truly care about Why failure, character, and timing matter more than hype When to start showcases, hire an advisor, or stay local Raising a young athlete in today’s baseball landscape can feel overwhelming—especially when decisions carry high

en

01:03:11

Travel Ball With a Purpose: How Excel Baseball...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/07/16

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with former pro player and Excel Baseball co-founder Matthew Maniscalso to talk all things youth baseball. From how to choose a travel baseball organization to smart college recruiting tips for travel baseball families, this is the honest conversation every sports parent needs. They go deep on how to evaluate a travel baseball coach, how to support your kid without burnout, and why balancing travel baseball and family life is more

en

57:33

Inside the MLB Combine: What Scouts Really Look For...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/07/09

Ever wonder what scouts actually think during the MLB Draft Combine? Former MLB scout Trevor Haley reveals insider perspectives that could change how families, players, and advisors approach the draft. If you're navigating the world of amateur baseball, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe now and prepare smarter! What You’ll Learn: What happens behind the scenes at the MLB Combine How scouts prepare and evaluate top 350 prospects Why interviews can matter more than on-field performance

en

01:01:13

450 MLB Draft Picks: Inside the Canes Baseball Dynasty

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/07/02

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

en

58:03

How Baseball Cards Build Early-Career Equity: What...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/06/25

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

en

59:07

The MLB Star Nobody Saw Coming: Mauricio Dubón's...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/06/18

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

en

01:21:44

The Truth About Draft Day: What Parents and Players...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/06/11

The dream isn’t just to be seen—it’s to be ready. In this can’t-miss episode, agent Matt Hannaford sits down with Kris Gross, Scouting Director for the New York Mets, to reveal what really goes on behind the scenes of the MLB Draft. You’ll get an unfiltered look at how scouts evaluate talent, why some prospects never make it, and what separates the good from the great. From coachability and curiosity to signability and character, this episode uncovers the critical traits that matter most—and why

en

01:05:18

Inside the Mind of an MLB GM: Zack Scott on Draft...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/06/03

Unlock pro-level baseball insights with Zack Scott—ex-Red Sox GM—on draft prep, development, and mastering the mental game. Subscribe now! What really goes on inside the mind of an MLB GM? Former Red Sox and Mets executive Zack Scott takes us deep into the front office to reveal how data, mindset, and real-world player development decisions shape big-league rosters. From how prospects are evaluated to what separates the guys who make it, Zack explains what most coaches, players, and parents get

en

57:10

Here’s What MLB Scouts Actually Look For (It’s Not...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2025/05/28

Ever wondered what it really takes to catch the eye of a Major League Baseball scout? In this powerhouse episode of the Most Valuable Agent podcast, host Matt sits down with Gus Quattlebaum, VP of Scouting Development & Integration for the Boston Red Sox, and Johan Martinez-Khalilian, elite coach to athletes and artists. Together, they reveal how pro teams evaluate talent—from advanced data and video review to the critical role of mindset, failure, and intangibles that can't be measured. Whether

en

89 results

Similar Podcasts

Keeping Karlsson Fantasy Hockey Podcast

Elan Dubrofsky and Brian Kom

Daily Fantasy Sports by Ship It Nation

Ship It Nation

Fantasy Football Today

CBS Sports, Fantasy Football, FFT, NFL,...

Bring The Pain

Heat00veride

ESPN SportsCenter Update

ESPN