Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford

What does it really take to go from overlooked to overachiever in professional baseball?

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with Tyler Zombro—a former undrafted pitcher who battled his way to Triple-A and now serves as Special Assistant of Pitching for the Chicago Cubs.

Tyler’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless improvement. From setbacks and ...

In the second part, of this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, former MLB catcher and World Series champion Kurt Suzuki joins host Matt Hannaford to share his journey from overlooked Hawaii high school athlete to 16-year Major League veteran.

Kurt dives into the ups and downs of walking on at Cal State Fullerton, grinding through the minors, and eventually becoming one of the most respected catche...

Think making it to the MLB is all about raw talent? Think again. 

Kurt Suzuki’s journey from an overlooked Hawaiian athlete to a 16-year MLB career proves that mindset, adaptability, and persistence matter more than anything else.

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, World Series champion Kurt Suzuki sits down with host Matt to share his unfiltered story—from walking on at Cal State Fullert...

What if everything you thought about youth baseball, travel ball, and scholarships was upside down? In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Most Valuable Agent, host Matt sits down with former pro pitcher, travel ball coach, and baseball dad Craig Holman—father of LSU standout and MLB Draft pick Luke Holman.

This isn't just about rankings, exposure, or getting a D1 scholarship. This is about what real...

Want to play college baseball or go pro? This episode is a must-hear! Auburn University assistant head coach Karl Nonemaker joins the podcast to discuss the college baseball recruiting process, the impact of the transfer portal, and how players can make the best decision between playing at the collegiate level and going pro.

Karl shares valuable insights from his experience as both a player and a D1 coach,...

What separates good athletes from elite performers? It’s not just talent—it’s mental discipline. In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Sean Casey, former MLB All-Star and performance coach, breaks down the mental game of baseball and how mastering your mindset can transform your performance on and off the field.

Sean shares how Harvey Dorfman’s book, The Mental Game of Baseball, completely changed his ap...

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.

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 abo...

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...

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...

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...

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 R...

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 instin...

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 confid...

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 an...

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 ...

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 tra...

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 moun...

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 basebal...