Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford

Matt Hannaford
  • 5.0 (52)
  • BASEBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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

  1. 5D AGO

    Johan Martinez-Khalilian’s Life-Changing Advice to Conquer Fear & Unlock Your True Purpose

    What if fear wasn’t a barrier but an invitation to step into something greater? In this powerful episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, Matt welcomes Johan Martinez-Khalilian—an award-winning speaker, mentor, and life coach to professional athletes—to dive deep into personal growth, resilience, and redefining success. Johan shares his profound insights on breaking free from limiting beliefs, stepping outside your comfort zone, and embracing transformation—whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to create a meaningful impact. This episode will challenge the way you think about fear, leadership, and success, offering actionable strategies to push past self-doubt and level up in your life and career. ___  What You’ll Learn from This Episode: ✅ Why redefining success is crucial for long-term fulfillment ✅ How fear can actually guide you toward your true calling ✅ The power of adaptability in personal and professional growth ✅ Why transactional relationships hold people back  ✅ What it means to be irreplaceable in your field and in life Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/ ___ RESOURCES + LINKS ALIGND Sports: 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? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE. FOLLOW Johan Martinez-Khalilian: @johanspeaks Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

    1h 42m

  2. FEB 18

    Inside Athlete Marketing: NIL, Branding & Baseball’s Future with Adidas’ Charley Stobbs

    What does it really take to land an endorsement deal? In this episode, I sit down with Charley Stobbs, U.S. Sports Marketing Director for Adidas Baseball and Football, to break down the business of branding & sponsorships in sports — including the differences between NIL in baseball vs. football, how social media is reshaping athlete branding, and what young players need to do to build real marketing value. We talk about how brands like Adidas select their athletes, and why performance matters more than just hype. Charley also shares why East Coast Pro is a must-attend event, what brands look for beyond talent, and how sponsorship deals have evolved in today’s game.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Charley Stobbs, U.S. Sports Marketing Director for Adidas Baseball and Football. 07:30 How has athlete marketing changed with social media? 12:45 What Adidas looks for when signing players to sponsorship deals. 18:00 What athletes need to know about brand partnerships beyond wearing the gear. 24:00 How brands strategize around signing athletes with All-Star potential. 27:00 How player brand transitions happen when switching from one major brand to another. 29:45 The underrated factor that can make or break an athlete’s brand potential. 33:45 Advice for young athletes looking to land a brand deal. 38:00 When should parents start thinking about athlete branding for their kids? 44:30 What young players should focus on instead of social media hype.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Charley Stobbs: @cstobbs2

    53 min

  3. FEB 11

    Tyler Zombro on Pitching Development, Data Analytics, and Navigating the Business of Baseball

    Pitching development has changed dramatically over the last decade. In this episode, I am joined by Tyler Zombro, the Special Assistant to the Cubs Pitching Director. We talk about the biggest developments in pitching – why velocity isn’t everything, how pitch shapes and biomechanics change the way pitchers train, and how organizations like the Cubs use data to maximize every arm in their system. Plus, we dive into the critical aspect of transparency between teams and players, the mistakes players and parents are making in youth baseball, and what free agents need to consider before signing with a team.    HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 What are the controllables that determine pitching success? 06:15 The mental shift that pitchers must make to survive in pro baseball. 10:30 The turning point that made Tyler realize he wanted to help other pitchers succeed. 17:00 What happens when a pitcher walks into Tread Athletics for the first time? 20:15 The difference between private pitching development vs MLB front office. 28:00 One thing every free agent should demand from teams before signing. 36:30 Why the right organization matters more than the signing bonus. 43:00 How minor adjustments in pitch usage turned pitchers into multi-millionaires. 47:45 The risks of forcing mechanical changes that don’t fit a pitcher’s body. 50:00 What parents of young pitchers need to stop doing immediately. 52:00 The surprising pitch that’s dominating modern baseball. 53:15 The pitching metric that reveals if a pitcher will succeed in the big leagues. 58:15 When is the right age for a player to start throwing a breaking ball?   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Tyler Zombro: @t_zombro42

    1h 10m

  4. FEB 4

    Opportunities Over Excuses: KC Royals Hitting Coach, Keoni DeRenne’s, Message to Young Baseball Players

    The jump from amateur baseball to the big leagues is bigger than most people realize. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Keoni DeRenne, Assistant Major League Hitting Coach for the Kansas City Royals, to break down the realities of making it to the pros. He shares the hidden struggles of big leaguers and what truly separates them from everyone else. We talk about what parents need to do differently when talking to their kids about the game, how young players should structure their training, and what every aspiring pro needs to be thinking about NOW if they want to make it.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The common pitfall parents make when coaching their kids after a game. 07:30 How has baseball changed over the last 15-20 years? 12:15 The hardest part about transitioning from playing to coaching in the big leagues. 17:45 How does music impact player performance and mindset? 22:30 The best way to approach players struggling with performance slumps. 29:15 How parents can support their kids in baseball without adding pressure. 35:15 How can players develop a drill package from tee work to live BP? 40:00 What mindset and process does it really take to make it to the big leagues? 45:45 What are the biggest challenges for youth and travel baseball players from Hawaii? 53:45 How former Hawaiian pros stay connected and mentor the next generation. 56:15 The one thing every aspiring major leaguer should pay attention to.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Keoni DeRenne: @kepony__derenne

    1h 7m

  5. JAN 28

    Kurt Suzuki: From College Walk-On to World Series Champion, Assistant to the GM, and Travel Baseball Coach Part 2

    What defines a winning player from the rest? In this episode, I’m joined again by World Series Champion and MLB All-Star Kurt Suzuki for part two of our conversation. We break down what it takes to develop a winning mindset that opens up doors to opportunity, both in baseball and in life. Kurt shares his wisdom as a player, coach, and parent in creating positive team chemistry to navigate the decision-making process of youth baseball and the business of baseball. Tune in to discover the traits and habits young players need to succeed!   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The biggest benefits of building college team culture. 06:45 Why team chemistry remains critical (even at the professional level). 12:45 Josh Donaldson’s transition from catcher to third baseman. 21:00 How Kurt went from MLB player to front office leadership. 29:00 The ideal role of parents in supporting young athletes. 33:45 Why being coachable and open-minded transforms a player’s career. 36:00 What players need to know about the business side of baseball. 44:30 Advice for parents and players navigating the business of baseball.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

    55 min

  6. JAN 21

    Kurt Suzuki: From College Walk-On to World Series Champion, Assistant to the GM, and Travel Baseball Coach (Part 1)

    Get ready to discover how you go from college walk-on to World Series Champion. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and former client, Kurt Suzuki. He shares what it takes to compete at the highest level, the critical role of mental preparation, and why short-term goals are important for long-term success. Plus, he shares the best life-changing advice he received from legendary sports psychologist Ken Ravizza to stand out and compete as an elite player.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Kurt Suzuki, College World Series and MLB World Series Champion. 05:00 How do players overcome the challenges of growing up with limited exposure to scouts? 09:15 When did you realize you could compete at the highest level?  14:00 The risks of today’s travel ball culture and why polished players are becoming rare. 19:00 How to stand out and catch the attention of scouts. 22:30 Lessons from legendary sports psychologist Ken Ravizza.  26:00 Ways to overcome injury fears and confidence. 31:00 BTS stories from the 2004 College World Series Championship run.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

    40 min

  7. JAN 14

    The Unconventional Path to a 2X Major League Baseball World Series Champion with Jonny Gomes Part 2

    Get ready to learn how a player goes from good to generationally great! In this second part of our two-part conversation with Jonny Gomes, we delve deeper into the intricacies of professional baseball and the business behind the game. He shares tips on simplifying the game, leveraging preparation, and adapting to the relentless demands of professional baseball. We also discuss the fine line between analytics and instinct, coaching challenges, and how data can help prevent injuries in young athletes.    HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The habits that separate top players from the rest. 03:45 Advice on how to simplify the game. 09:00 The mindset and preparation that separate elite players like Joey Votto. 14:30 The toughest opponent in major league baseball. 19:30 Why modern coaching is more challenging than ever. 26:00 What should matter more than winning in youth baseball? 32:00 How self-evaluation and smart coaching build trust in player development. 35:45 How data is reshaping injury prevention.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Jonny Gomes: @jonnygomesusa

    44 min

  8. JAN 7

    The Unconventional Path to a 2X Major League Baseball World Series Champion with Jonny Gomes, Part 1

    What does it take to turn untraditional beginnings into a major league career? In this first installment of a two-part series, I’m joined by the two-time World Series champion Jonny Gomes. We talk about how today’s amateur baseball landscape differs from previous generations, how to secure a college scholarship, and what it takes to grind through the challenges of minor league baseball. Jonny shares how to build confidence, the critical role of preparation, and how to make adjustments to thrive at every level of the game.    HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 How to secure a college scholarship in baseball. 05:30 Lessons from a zero-scholarship athlete who earned a pro tryout. 09:00 Advice for parents on guiding young athletes through rankings and expectations.  13:45 How to build confidence as an athlete. 18:30 How do support systems help overcome the challenges of minor league baseball? 25:15 The most important skill for young players. 33:00 Strategies to simplify the game.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Jonny Gomes: @jonnygomesusa

    41 min
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About

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

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