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Most Valuable Agent with Matt HannafordAuthor: 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 Language: en Genres: Baseball, Business, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Raising a Ballplayer in a Big-League Home
Episode 56
Wednesday, 4 February, 2026
Most baseball families believe the path to success is more reps, more pressure, more seriousness — but former World Series champion and MLB manager Kurt Suzuki sees it differently. In this special episode of The Most Valuable Agent, MLB agent Matt Hannaford sits down with Kurt Suzuki and his 12-year-old son Kai for an honest, refreshing conversation about youth baseball, parenting, pressure, and what actually builds confident, resilient players. This isn't a highlight-reel interview — it's a real look inside how a big leaguer thinks about development before the stats, rankings, and expectations take over. Kurt opens up about the mistakes he made as a player, the lessons he wishes he learned earlier, and why his number-one rule as a dad and coach is never telling a kid to "do more" after a bad game. Together, they talk through the emotional side of baseball: handling failure, separating identity from performance, why fun matters more than trophies at 12 years old, and how parents can support growth without accidentally creating burnout. Kai shares what it's actually like growing up around the big leagues — from clubhouse prank stories to what helps him stay loose when games get tense. If you're a parent, coach, or player navigating travel ball, pressure-filled weekends, and the constant feeling that your kid should be doing more — this episode brings clarity, perspective, and a much-needed exhale. Subscribe for weekly insight on player development, mindset, recruiting, and the business of baseball — with conversations families rarely get to hear this honestly. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • Why "having fun" isn't soft — it's a competitive advantage • How Kurt separates being a dad from being a coach • The one phrase Kurt refuses to say after bad games • Why practice should be intense — but games should be free • How kids absorb pressure even when adults think they're hiding it • Why winning at 12 doesn't matter as much as learning how to win • How to teach confidence without tying identity to performance • What youth players actually need after failure • How clubhouse culture translates directly to youth baseball teams • Why burnout often starts with good intentions from parents ABOUT KURT SUZUKI Kurt Suzuki is a former MLB catcher, World Series champion, and current Major League manager. Over a 16-year big league career, he became known as a leader, game-caller, and teammate-first professional. Today, Kurt brings those same principles to coaching, player development, and parenting — emphasizing preparation, mindset, and respect for the game. ABOUT MATT HANNAFORD Matt Hannaford is a 25-year MLB agent and founder of Aligned Sports. He has represented MVPs, All-Stars, and World Series champions, and now shares weekly insight on youth development, recruiting, mindset, and the business of baseball through The Most Valuable Agent podcast. CONNECT WITH MATT HANNAFORD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/ Website: https://www.aligndsports.com/YouTube (subscribe for weekly insight): https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent #YouthBaseball #TravelBaseball #BaseballParents #PlayerDevelopment #MentalGame #BaseballMindset #MostValuableAgent #ParentCoaching #BaseballCulture
