Every travel team promises "elite competition," "national exposure," and "top-tier development." But when you're the parent making decisions, the real questions are much simpler — and far more important: What actually serves my son's long-term future? What protects our family's time, budget, and sanity?

In this episode of The Most Valuable Agent, MLB agent Matt Hannaford breaks down the four essential questions every baseball parent must ask before choosing a travel team. You'll learn how to evaluate a program's philosophy, how to separate hype from real development, how to avoid the exposure trap that hurts young players, and how to make sure your son is coached by the right person — not just the organization's most famous name.

If your family is debating whether to stay, leave, or join a new team… this episode will give you the clarity and strategy you've been missing.

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why travel coaches are recruiting you just as much as your son • How to identify the real reason you're looking for a new team • The #1 mistake families make when chasing "exposure" too early • Why development—not showcases—matters before age 16 • How to assess your son's physical, skill, and mental readiness • What a realistic travel baseball budget actually looks like • How to talk to an organization honestly about your financial limits • Why your son's actual coach matters more than the program's brand • The four non-negotiable questions every parent must ask before committing

THE FOUR QUESTIONS EVERY TRAVEL BASEBALL PARENT MUST ASK

1. Why are we looking for a new team? Understand what went wrong or what you truly need.

2. Where is my son developmentally? Development first (≤15). Exposure later (≥16).

3. What is our actual budget and sustainable schedule? Be honest. Protect your time, energy, and finances.

4. Who will coach my son week-to-week? The coach matters more than the organization's name.

ABOUT MATT HANNAFORD

Matt Hannaford is a 25-year MLB agent and founder of Aligned Sports. He has represented Hall of Famers, negotiated landmark contracts, and now helps families navigate the development and business of baseball with clarity, honesty, and strategy.

CONNECT WITH MATT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/ Website: https://www.aligndsports.com/ YouTube (subscribe!): https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent

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