# MLB GM Secrets: The Part They Don't Share with Fans Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/most-valuable-agent-with-matt-hannaford-6966172/mlb-gm-secrets-the-part-they-don-t-share-with-fans Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/most-valuable-agent-with-matt-hannaford-6966172/mlb-gm-secrets-the-part-they-don-t-share-with-fans.md Podcast: [Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford](https://stenobird.com/podcast/most-valuable-agent-with-matt-hannaford-6966172) Published: 2025-11-19T12:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9.libsyn.com/mlb-gm-secrets-the-part-they-dont-share-with-fans Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/f19dff7d-cba9-4d19-b009-9fdbdd27ffc9/FINAL_046_Thad_Levine_MVA.mp3?dest-id=4634517 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/most-valuable-agent-with-matt-hannaford-6966172/episodes/mlb-gm-secrets-the-part-they-don-t-share-with-fans Duration seconds: 4269 ## Resource Most parents only see the rankings, the showcase stats, and the hype — but this episode of The Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford pulls you inside the real world of MLB draft strategy, where decisions are made long before a player ever hears their name called. Former Minnesota Twins GM Thad Levine reveals what truly drives baseball scouting insights today, from how MLB teams evaluate players beyond raw tools to why character, adaptability, and leadership quietly determine careers. You'll hear how clubs weigh high school vs. college talent, why certain pitchers carry heavy risk profiles, and how "force multipliers" — not just stars — shape long-term success. Thad breaks down how front offices think, how organizations develop prospects, and what separates players who survive the grind from those who stall out. If you've ever wondered how the baseball development pathway really works behind closed doors, this conversation exposes the hidden criteria that actually move players up draft boards. Subscribe for weekly MLB draft strategy and baseball development insights. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN MLB draft strategy breakdowns teams use to separate elite prospects Baseball scouting insights that go far beyond tools or showcase numbers How MLB teams evaluate players on makeup, adaptability, and character Risk profiles of high school vs. college players, especially pitching Why leadership, habits, and mindset drive long-term player development How the baseball development pathway really works inside MLB organizations Matt Hannaford is a 25-year veteran MLB agent and founder of Aligned Sports. He's represented Hall of Famers, negotiated blockbuster contracts, and now shares his wisdom weekly on The Most Valuable Agent. Connect with Matt Hannaford: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannafor… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/most-valuable-agent-with-matt-hannaford-6966172/episodes/mlb-gm-secrets-the-part-they-don-t-share-with-fans/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/most-valuable-agent-with-matt-hannaford-6966172/mlb-gm-secrets-the-part-they-don-t-share-with-fans.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.