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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

57:26

How to Get Recruited: Inside College Baseball with...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/12/31

How do you stand out in college baseball recruiting? In this episode, I sit down with Karl Nonemaker, Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Auburn University. He breaks down what it takes to catch a coach's eye and shares actionable advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting process. We also dive into the impact of rule changes like the transfer portal, and the role of technology and NIL in college baseball. Get ready to level up your understanding of college

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01:20:52

The Science and Soul of Hitting: Personal Big League...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/12/24

Ever wondered what you need to excel at hitting, both physically and mentally? In this episode, I’m joined by renowned hitting coach Benny Craig, founder of Feel Good Hitting. He shares his strategies for developing hitters through an individualized approach, combining mechanics, mindset, and MORE. We also dive into lessons from legends like Ted Williams, Sadaharu Oh, and Kobe Bryant. Tune in to learn how to sync your breathing with your swing, and develop a powerful hitting approach that goes

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59:05

How Your Son Can Become More Valuable in the MLB...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/12/17

What separates a good prospect from a great one? In this episode, I am joined by Mike Wagner, the National Crosschecker for the New York Yankees, to share ways your son can stand out in the scouting process. He breaks down the role of technology and analytics, the difference between on-field and off-field makeup, and tips on choosing the right coaches and programs for youth players. He also shares the challenges of transitioning into professional play. Get ready to know what scouts are really

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01:02:18

Dallas Braden on How to Get to the Big Leagues When...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/12/10

What 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

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43:36

Inside MLB Scouting, Draft Models, and Player...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/12/03

What really makes a baseball player thrive? Is it raw talent, hard work, or a bit of both? In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Mayo, a renowned expert in the MLB draft, minor leagues, and scouting. We dive into the evolution of scouting since COVID, the pros and cons of hybrid draft models, and the role of the MLB combine. Jonathan also shares insights from his book, which dives into the origin stories of baseball's unexpected stars like Joey Votto, Jacob deGrom, and Albert Pujols. Tune in for

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01:23:53

The Power of Breath: Enhancing Performance in Youth...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/11/26

What drives elite performance? Today, I speak with Harvey Martin, former Human Performance Coach for the San Francisco Giants. He shares how he overcame anxiety and the yips as a professional baseball player to become a leader in human performance coaching. We break down the critical connection between physiology and psychology in achieving peak performance. Plus, we unpack how breathing techniques enhance athletic performance, regulate emotions, and unlock untapped potential. Tune in to learn

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01:04:46

The Front Office Perspective: Insights from Former...

Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford ·

2024/11/19

What makes a championship team? In this episode, I sit down with Bill Geivett, former Senior VP of Major League Operations for the Colorado Rockies, to uncover the mindset, strategy, and systems behind elite performance. We dive into the evolving role of data in baseball, the balance between analytics and on-the-ground scouting, and the high stakes decision-making process in professional sports. He also introduces an innovative platform designed to transform how athletes, teams, and fans connect

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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

en

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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89 results

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