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 injuries to shaping how MLB teams develop arms today, his journey is packed with lessons for players, coaches, and anyone navigating the evolving world of baseball.

Whether you're chasing a roster spot, building a development system, or guiding a young athlete, this episode dives deep into the data, biomechanics, and mindset reshaping pitching at every level.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Tyler’s journey from undrafted free agent to AAA pitcher and front office exec unfolded ✅ Why command, pitch design, and self-awareness often trump velocity ✅ The real role of data in modern pitching development and talent evaluation ✅ How to build a plan for adding velo, refining pitch shapes, and avoiding injury ✅ What makes Tread Athletics different—and how it helped top arms like Cole Ragans ✅ Why transparent communication is the missing ingredient in many MLB organizations ✅ What amateur and pro players should consider when choosing a team, coach, or plan ✅ The importance of player development systems, biomechanics, and long-term strategy ✅ How teams like the Cubs and Dodgers build winning culture by maximizing undervalued arms ✅ Why mental models, adaptability, and understanding your identity matter more than ever

🔔 Subscribe for weekly baseball insights from the game’s brightest minds

📤 Share this with a teammate, coach, or young pitcher on the rise

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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

Tyler Zombro: @t_zombro42

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford