3 Steps To Fix the Parent-Player Relationship In Youth Baseball

Every parent watching their son strike out in the bottom of the ninth has felt that surge of frustration — not because of the strikeout itself, but because of the unspoken expectations they carry. Expectations about effort. About performance. About gratitude. About results. But here's the problem: most parents never say these expectations out loud — and because of that, players don't know the rules, don't know the standards, and don't know how to win. The result? Disappointment for parents, defensiveness for players, and a breakdown in trust that lasts far beyond a single tournament. In this episode of The Most Valuable Agent, MLB agent Matt Hannaford breaks down one of the most important — yet rarely discussed — principles in travel baseball: the difference between expectations and agreements. You'll learn why silent expectations sabotage performance, erode motivation, and create resentment…and how simple parent–player agreements can transform your son's growth, your relationship, and his entire baseball experience. Matt gives you scripts, real examples, and a step-by-step process to start having collaborative, empowering conversations with your son — conversations that build ownership, confidence, and commitment. If you've ever wondered why your son "doesn't seem to care," why you get frustrated so often, or why baseball feels more stressful than it should…this episode is the reset button your family needs. Subscribe for weekly MLB development, travel ball strategy, and leadership tools for baseball families. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • The real difference between an expectation and an agreement • Why unspoken expectations create frustration, defensiveness & poor performance • What "leadership failure" looks like in a parent–player relationship • The exact conversation to start having with your son (word-for-word) • How agreements increase ownership, motivation, and on-field results • Why agreements work in baseball, business, and high-performance environments • How to set roles, responsibilities, and timelines that actually stick • How to build trust, improve communication, and create a healthier baseball journey ABOUT MATT HANNAFORD Matt Hannaford is a 25-year veteran MLB agent and founder of Aligned Sports. He's represented MVPs, negotiated historic contracts, and guided families through every step of the baseball journey — from tee ball to the Major Leagues. Through The Most Valuable Agent, Matt gives parents the honest, strategic insight they need to support their son's development, performance, and long-term future in baseball. CONNECT WITH MATT HANNAFORD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/ Website: https://www.aligndsports.com/ YouTube (weekly coaching & breakdowns): https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent #TravelBall #YouthBaseball #BaseballParents #PlayerDevelopment #BaseballMindset #MostValuableAgent #ParentCoaching #BaseballLeadership #BaseballJourney #YouthSportsParenting