Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford

Episode: Inside the Draft: A Scouting Director’s Message to Travel Ball Parents
Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Matt Hannaford

Episode Overview

In this episode, Matt Hannaford recaps an invaluable talk delivered by a Major League Baseball scouting director to families of Perfect Game All American players. Hannaford highlights the scouting director's candid insights into what teams look for throughout the draft process, from multi-sport participation and classroom behavior to pre-draft meetings and negotiations. Throughout the episode, Hannaford adds context from the player and advisor perspective, aiming to help players and their families make strategic and informed decisions over the next 11 months leading up to the MLB Draft.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Value of Multi-Sport Athletes ([02:51])

• Scouting Director’s Take:
  Multi-sport athletes are highly valued by scouts. Playing different sports demonstrates how a player competes in varied environments and handles pressure.

  "If your son is playing quarterback or point guard, I'm showing up to those games. Why? Because I want to see how your son competes in different environments... When it's loud, intense, maybe it's a Friday night crosstown rivalry that's real. I want to be there." – Scouting Director ([02:51])

• Transitioning to Baseball Only:
  If a player stops other sports to focus solely on baseball, their training dedication must increase. No coasting allowed.

  "If you're getting all in on baseball, then your habits and your structure need to reflect that." – Scouting Director ([03:15])

• Hannaford’s Lens:
  Confirmed by many scouts: Multi-sport experience is a plus, especially regarding athleticism and competition. However, attending showcase tournaments like Jupiter (WWBA) is a strategic decision, especially for pitchers—sometimes rest is the smarter move.

2. Classroom Behavior and Off-Field Conduct ([07:56])

• Scouting Director’s Take:
  Off-field behavior is scrutinized just as much as on-field play. Scouts talk to teachers, guidance counselors, and town residents about a player's character.

  "I'm not just watching games. I'm talking to teachers, I'm calling guidance counselors. I'm asking around town... We're paying attention to how he carries himself in school, how he interacts with adults, and how seriously he takes his responsibilities." – Scouting Director ([08:15])

• Immature behavior, goofing around, or associating with the wrong crowd can negatively impact draft stock.

  "Who you hang around, that obviously matters... They're investing in a person, future professional." – Hannaford ([09:45])

• Advice:
  Make decisions that reflect your goals. If you wouldn’t want your friends acting up in front of a GM, reconsider your associations.

3. In-Home (or Zoom) Visits ([12:27])

• Scouting Director’s Advice:
  These visits build relationships between families and scouts, not just to evaluate talent but to understand a family's dynamics.

  "If I'm going to sign your son... we're going to need to be in each other's lives. So I want to know what makes your family tick." – Scouting Director ([12:47])

• Visits can be in person, on campus, or via Zoom—whatever is comfortable for the family.
• Hannaford’s Guidance:
  Structure these meetings to fit your schedule. Limit them to one day per week to avoid being overwhelmed.
  Players, not parents, should manage and lead communications and interactions during in-home visits.

  "Your son should be the one that is managing the communication with the scout... He should take the lead during the actual visit. This is his future." – Hannaford ([13:30])

• Dressing appropriately and addressing scouts respectfully is important.
• Always be prepared with your own questions for scouts.

4. Scouts as Investigators ([22:17])

• Scouting Director’s Candidness:
  Scouts investigate everything about a prospect, including talking to people in the player’s community.

  "We are not just talent evaluators, we are investigators too... I might roll into town at noon and I'll head to the local diner... I'll ask around, hey, do you know so and so family?" – Scouting Director ([22:23])

• The process is highly calculated and strategic. Flattering comments about projected draft position are not guarantees.

  "These relationships... they're calculated. So... any sort of comments like this should be evaluated against the full industry landscape." – Hannaford ([25:00])

5. Regional Workouts & Pre-Draft Hit Groups ([26:46])

• Scouting Director:
  Small, off-season workouts help scouts build the full picture of a prospect.

  "If you get invited to one of these pre draft hit groups or winter workouts, I suggest you go... those touch points matter." – Scouting Director ([27:02])

• Hannaford:
  These events matter but are supplemental; performance on the field is what drives draft value.

  "What gets you drafted is performance... that's pretty much the leading factor, so be mindful of that." – Hannaford ([29:57])

6. Spring Season: Every Day Counts ([31:36])

• From January through June, scouts are everywhere; every rep, including at practices and bullpens, is evaluated.

  "Every single day counts, even a practice day, even a bullpen, because someone is always watching. I've got guys in the trees. Literally." – Scouting Director ([32:10])

• Players won’t always know when they’re being watched, so always be prepared and give maximum effort.

7. Communication is Key ([35:37])

• Keeping scouts informed about schedules/workouts is critical.

  "Whether it's text messages, emails, scout threads, you've got to stay on top of this stuff." – Scouting Director ([36:00])

• Responsiveness signals maturity and professionalism.

  "If you can't even manage a schedule, if you can't reply to a text message, how the heck are you going to handle the daily demands of pro ball?" – Hannaford ([35:37])

8. Blocking Out Draft Hype & Enjoying the Process ([37:53])

• With the draft approaching, there is increasing noise (rankings, projections, social media).
• Stay focused on performance and enjoy the unique experience.

  "Don't let the weight of it steal your joy." – Scouting Director ([38:57])

9. Signability: How Much Will It Take? ([41:02])

• Scouting Director:
  As the draft approaches, advisors must clarify what it would take for the player to sign. Teams need clarity for their planning, but families may need more time.

  "When I pick up the phone... the answer should be clear. Here’s the number. If we’re there, we’re ready to go. If not, he’s going to school." – Scouting Director ([39:59])

• Hannaford’s Nuances:
  Teams want early clarity, but families often need longer.
  Three common approaches to signability:
  1. Arbitrary number (rare)
  2. Sign for anything (worst/never advised)
  3. Blend of college value and draft market feedback (most common)

  "This is one of the reasons why I think the third way of doing this, while it is the most common, it also is the most time consuming." – Hannaford ([46:00])

• On draft day, families must be ready to make decisions quickly—sometimes within seconds. Preparation in the preceding weeks is crucial.

  "You’re not going to have hours to make decisions... weeks leading up to the draft need to be about preparing." – Hannaford ([47:30])

• Always clarify if a team’s number is an “official offer” before responding.

10. Pre-Draft Workouts & The Role of Your Advisor ([49:53])

• Scouting Director:
  Late workout invites may indicate a team is still gathering intel; your advisor should help you weigh which workouts to attend.

  "Not every invite needs to be accepted. Trust the process. Trust your circle. Make smart decisions..." – Scouting Director ([51:21])

• Hannaford:
  Don't blindly accept every invite. Advisors help separate legitimate opportunities from box-ticking or last-minute interest.

11. The MLB Combine ([54:37])

• If invited, the combine is generally worthwhile—serves as a final high-exposure event with interviews, workouts, and medical exams.

  "If you get that invite, take it seriously, show up ready. It's a great opportunity and it can absolutely help your draft stock." – Scouting Director ([55:59])

• Medical Testing:
  Participation is voluntary, but if completed—and drafted—a team must offer at least 75% of slot value.

  "If you choose to go through the full medical process and a team were to draft you, what that means is they must offer you at least 75% of your slot value." – Hannaford ([56:34])

• Advisors play a critical role in deciding which parts of the combine to attend, and whether to submit to medical exams.
• Not all players at the combine will have meetings with every team; be prepared, but don’t make assumptions about opportunity level.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We are not just talent evaluators, we are investigators too... We're trying to understand who he is when no one is watching."
  — Scouting Director ([22:23])

• "Make decisions that reflect your goals. If you wouldn’t want your friends acting up in front of a GM, reconsider your associations."
  — Matt Hannaford ([09:45])

• "You can't fake character, you can't fake discipline, and you certainly can't fake maturity. There's no fooling the scouts. They're gonna find out what matters, and... they'll keep digging until they do."
  — Matt Hannaford ([25:30])

• "The process is not one size fits all. What works for one player might not make sense for another... So be informed, be prepared, but above all, be intentional. This is your process. Own it."
  — Matt Hannaford ([59:19])

Segment Timestamps for Quick Reference

• 00:00 | Episode Introduction & Overview of Panel Discussion
• 02:51 | Multi-Sport Athletes: Why Teams Love Them
• 07:56 | Classroom, Social Behavior & Off-Field Red Flags
• 12:27 | How to Handle In-Home (and Zoom) Visits
• 22:17 | Scouts as Investigators: What’s Really Being Checked
• 26:46 | Off-Season Regional Hit Groups & Their True Value
• 31:36 | Spring Season: How Every Day Is ‘A Look’
• 35:37 | The Crucial Role of Communication with Scouts
• 37:53 | Blocking Out Hype & Enjoying the Moment
• 41:02 | Signability: How to Prepare and Respond
• 49:53 | Weighing Pre-Draft Workout Invitations
• 54:37 | Understanding the Significance of the MLB Combine
• 59:19 | Final Thoughts: Own Your Process

Final Takeaways

• Every Step Is Evaluated: Character, academics, off-field behavior, and how you handle pressure all matter to professional organizations.
• Stay Intentional and Strategic: Every showcase, workout, and meeting should fit your personal development plan—not just be done for exposure.
• Lean on Experienced Advisors: They help with everything from managing in-home visits to interpreting workout and combine invites.
• Prepare for Rapid Decisions: The closer the draft, the less time there will be to make life-changing calls—get clear on your goals and values well in advance.
• Enjoy the Ride: This process only happens once out of high school—don’t let the anxiety steal the excitement.

For practical resources (like good questions to ask during in-home visits), DM Matt Hannaford on Instagram @MFHannaford.