Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford7 Maj 2025

The Million Dollar Question: Sign Now or Go to College?

What does it really take to go from high school standout to pro baseball?

In this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, former MLB player and Align Sports advisor Dylan Manwaring joins us to share the raw truths of navigating the path from youth baseball to the big leagues.

Dylan opens up about growing up with a major leaguer father (Matt Manwaring), standing out in a small town, and how showcases like Area Code Games and East Coast Pro shaped his journey to becoming an MLB draft pick.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or player trying to understand the pros and cons of going pro vs. going to college—this episode delivers rare insight and real talk from someone who's been there.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What MLB scouts actually look for at top showcases
How Dylan got recruited out of a small town
The role of Prospect Link and digital scouting today
What families should consider when weighing college vs. draft
How to parent (and coach) through pressure without control
The mental grind of proving yourself in pro ball

If you're a parent, player, or coach looking to better understand how to navigate the path to college or pro baseball, this is the episode for you.

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

___

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

Dylan Manwaring: @d_manwaring

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

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