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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

46:21

Navigating the NIL Landscape with Former NCAA...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/11/12

Are NIL deals a huge opportunity or a legal headache for student-athletes? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Nevius, former NCAA Investigator and current NIL Attorney, to unpack the evolving landscape of NIL – Name, Image, and Likeness – in college sports. Tim shares tips with college athletes and families about the complexities of NIL deals. We break down the latest developments in college sports reform, including NIL collectives, brand partnerships, and revenue sharing, and how these changes

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53:14

Mental Skills for the Next Generation of Athletes...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/11/05

In the highly competitive world of youth sports, how can players get mentally prepared to reach their highest potential? In this episode, I’m joined by Sean O’Brien, founder of HeadTop Performance, to talk about the mental skills that set great athletes apart. He shares proven strategies for handling pressure, reframing failure, and creating routines that boost confidence. We also dive into the mindset shifts that separate pros from amateurs, daily habits for consistency, and tips for athletes and

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Velocity, Strength, and Smarter Training: A...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/10/29

Addendum: In the episode, the guest mentioned the proper water consumption is one ounce per pound of body weight, the correct amount is half your body weight (or an ounce per kg) not an ounce per pound. Your athlete can improve their game without risking injury. In this episode, I’m joined by renowned sports performance coach, Dr. Nick Serio. We talk about the crazy lengths these young athletes will go to chase velocity, and how that can actually end up doing more harm than good. Dr. Serio shares

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01:24:26

Velocity, Strength, and Smarter Training: A...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/10/29

Addendum: In the episode, the guest mentioned the proper water consumption is one ounce per pound of body weight, the correct amount is half your body weight (or an ounce per kg) not an ounce per pound. Your athlete can improve their game without risking injury. In this episode, I’m joined by renowned sports performance coach, Dr. Nick Serio. We talk about the crazy lengths these young athletes will go to chase velocity, and how that can actually end up doing more harm than good. Dr. Serio shares

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01:12:09

ESPN’s Senior MLB Insider, Jeff Passan, on the Power...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/10/22

In the age of 24/7 sports coverage, how does the media influence the careers and lives of baseball players? In this episode, ESPN’s Senior MLB Insider, Jeff Passan, shares his experiences navigating the complex relationship between athletes and reporters. From breaking major trade news to building trust with players, Jeff shares the responsibility and power the media holds in shaping baseball’s biggest stories. We also delve into how media coverage, analytics, and youth development collide in

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01:19:02

Building Your Brand: The Power of Branding for Young...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/10/15

Ever wonder how athletes build a standout personal brand? In this episode, I sit with Dustin Williams, an artist-turned-marketing expert. We dive deep into sports marketing, branding, and how athletes build their brands. He shares his shift from rebranding a pest control company to working with professional athletes, including his creative approach to helping athletes like Austin Riley stand out. We explore how athletes take control of their marketing strategies, stay authentic, and create engaging

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01:07:19

Unlocking Elite Youth Baseball: Insights with Eric...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/10/08

The game has changed, and so have the risks. Today, we dive into a topic that every parent, player, and coach must be aware of - how to prevent early injuries and build a foundation for long-term athletic success. I sit down with Eric Cressey, the Director of Player Health and Performance for the New York Yankees to talk about all things youth baseball development, the athletic development pyramid, and what is leading young athletes to burnout and injuries so we can avoid them. We discuss everything

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01:00:22

Understanding Youth Baseball Development with Steve...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/10/01

Get ready to learn the mindset, strategies, and steps every young player and parent needs to navigate the competitive world of baseball. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Bernhardt, Vice President of Baseball Operations at Baseball Factory, to dive into the realities of player development, recruiting, and how to overcome adversity in baseball. He shares advice for players and parents on how to navigate the challenges of pursuing a baseball career, including strategies to stand out when you're

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01:24:09

12 Seasons: A Major League Player's Story of...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/09/24

Get ready for an inspiring story of what happens when you don't give up on your big dream. In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Westbrook, a.k.a. "The Barrel Man," who spent over 11 seasons in the minors before reaching the big leagues. Jamie shares advice on managing performance pressures, staying focused during tough times, and why resilience is key to long-term success. We explore how to build a strong mental approach, turn setbacks like injuries into growth opportunities, and how parents and

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52:31

How to be a Professional with Major League 3rd Base...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/09/17

Does your athlete want to excel in multiple sports? In this episode, I’m joined by the phenomenal J.R. House, the current third base coach for the Cincinnati Reds. He was an exceptional high school baseball player in Florida and football player in West Virginia, setting numerous state records as a quarterback. He shares how playing multiple sports is beneficial to players. He also breaks down tips on how to overcome the mental and physical challenges of injury recovery, how to deal with failures,

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01:28:04

Building Champions: Long Beach State Head Coach Tj...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/09/10

The world of college baseball has turned into a complete business. Today’s guest is my good friend and newly appointed head baseball coach at Long Beach State, TJ Bruce. He’s here to share his thoughts on the similarities between college baseball and professional baseball. We also dive into the most important thing to make sure your athlete develops and what separates players that make it to the pros. Tj also shares the challenges posed by the transfer portal and an inside look at his recruiting

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01:02:56

College Recruiting 101 with Joe Oliveira

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/09/03

Ready to take the next step in your player's college baseball journey? In this episode, Joe Oliveira, founder of Oliveira Baseball Consulting, shares his experience as a college 3-time All-Conference player himself to his approach helping families navigate the college recruiting process. We cover tips to manage expectations in the draft process, the pros and cons of the college baseball transfer portal, and the current state of NIL in college baseball. Get ready to know the best practices for

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01:10:26

Scouting In The World of Travel Baseball with Jered...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/08/27

Let’s dive into the world of travel sports. In this episode, I sit down with Jered Goodwin, the VP of Scouting Operations at Perfect Game, to explore the intricate world of travel baseball and player development. He shares over two decades of experience in high school and travel ball. We dive deep into the indispensable role that dedicated coaches play in a player's journey, offering insights that often go unnoticed by scouts. We delve into the Perfect Game ranking system, the mental aspect of the

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01:01:02

The Key to a Major League Mindset with MLB Mental...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/08/20

Are you training your mind with the same intensity as your body? Today’s guest, former MLB player turned Mental Strength Coach and founder of Major League Mindset - Brandon Guyer, shares how your mental game accounts for 90-95% of your performance! Brandon is here to share expert tips to uplevel your mental game from mastering self-talk, to controlling the controllables, and cultivating a 'win or learn' mindset in high-pressure situations. Strengthening your mental game will not only help you

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43:48

Exploring The Rise of Arm Injuries, Protecting Young...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/08/13

Did you know there’s an alarming increased rate of arm injuries in baseball? In this episode I’m joined by Orthopedic Surgeon and head physician for the Texas Rangers, Dr. Keith Meister as we dive into the challenges pitchers face today, the spike in Tommy John surgery, and what we can do to protect young athletes. and the suggested solutions that can be taken to ensure their health. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet the doctor who's done over 2000 elbow ligament reconstructions. 03:00 Factors that contribute

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53:20

Pro MLB Player Turned Financial Advisor: What Every...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/08/06

How early should I be thinking about getting a financial advisor? Today’s guest has a unique perspective as both a player AND financial advisor and we’re giving you the knowledge you need to navigate finances in the world of pro baseball. My friend, Jacob Turner, a pro player with the Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Washington Nationals turned financial advisor knows what you need to protect and secure your wealth for the future. We dive into the top 3 questions

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01:22:16

Keys to Unlocking Your Mental Game with Pro NHL, NBA,...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/07/30

Athletes are constantly striving to push their limits and achieve peak performance. However, the road to success is often filled with challenges, and setbacks that can test even the most seasoned athlete. In this episode, Johan Martinez-Khalilian, shares the mental skills he teaches professional athletes in the NHL, NBA, and MLB for peak MENTAL performance. We dive into what a mental skills coach does to help players with their mindset, emotions, physical abilities, and even spiritual aspects so

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01:07:00

Hitting 101 with Major League Hitting Coach and...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/07/23

Ever wonder what it takes to climb the ranks in professional baseball? In this episode, I am joined by my good friend, Alec Zumwalt, hitting coach for the Kansas City Royals. With a career that spans from player to scout to coach, Alec shares his experiences and personal stories from the field. We dive into the intricacies of professional baseball, the importance of development over exposure, and actionable advice for players at all stages of their careers. Get ready to know how big league hitters

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01:27:55

A Parent’s Guide to What Scouts Look for In Travel...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/07/18

Want to know how to attract the attention of scouts and maximize opportunities to play at the next level? In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex McClure, a West Coast cross checker for the Detroit Tigers. Alex provided incredible insight into the world of baseball scouting, sharing what scouts look for in both pitchers and position players. You'll learn the different levels of scouts within an MLB organization, how they work together to identify top talent, and the importance of

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01:32:07

Austin Riley on Youth Baseball, College Recruitment,...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/07/16

This episode is your survival guide from your young athlete’s crazy summer schedules to the mental and physical preparation it takes to sign and thrive in the big league. In this episode I sit down with my client and friend, Braves superstar Austin Riley to discuss his journey from youth baseball to negotiating and signing a life changing contract in MLB. Austin shares invaluable lessons on developing your skills, whether your young athlete should be involved in multiple sports, and navigating the

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82 results

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