What is the advantage of having an agent ("advisor")if you are a college player?
What are the most important qualities to look for in an agent?
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Welcome to the high school baseball web! I see you've been here a while but it says it's your first post. Good questions.
First off it is a personal choice to either have an advisor or not. Some do and some don’t. What are the advantages of having an advisor? A good advisor understands what is going on and will help your son through the process. He can keep your son updated on the different MLB clubs’ activities concerning the draft. With my son being a catcher an equipment deal was needed and in a very short period my son had an equipment deal with new catching equipment shipped to him prior to reporting to his team. Once a player signs, the advisor becomes an agent and communicates with the club on behalf of the player. The most important trait (in my opinion) is TRUST with knowledge of the negotiation process and MLB in general being a close second. The downside is the cost. The cost is a percentage of the signing bonus. I think most agents provide tax filing service for the players too… My son’s does. I also think the agent is a “security blanket” in a sense. There will be times you son will wonder what’s going on and a good advisor/agent can answer most of those questions.
Fungo
First off it is a personal choice to either have an advisor or not. Some do and some don’t. What are the advantages of having an advisor? A good advisor understands what is going on and will help your son through the process. He can keep your son updated on the different MLB clubs’ activities concerning the draft. With my son being a catcher an equipment deal was needed and in a very short period my son had an equipment deal with new catching equipment shipped to him prior to reporting to his team. Once a player signs, the advisor becomes an agent and communicates with the club on behalf of the player. The most important trait (in my opinion) is TRUST with knowledge of the negotiation process and MLB in general being a close second. The downside is the cost. The cost is a percentage of the signing bonus. I think most agents provide tax filing service for the players too… My son’s does. I also think the agent is a “security blanket” in a sense. There will be times you son will wonder what’s going on and a good advisor/agent can answer most of those questions.
Fungo
Would seek an established baseball person with proven track record, IMHO. peace, Shep
quote:Reply
What is an agent IMHO?
cdnmom,
Hello from your neighbor to the south!
Shep's "IMHO" stands for In My Humble Opinion. 
Hello from your neighbor to the south!
Shep's "IMHO" stands for In My Humble Opinion.
Selecting an agent can be an interesting process. Trust is very important, but I would first look for the following...
1. experience in working successfully with clubs in the draft process, securing equipment deals, and most importantly, negotiating all levels of contracts with MLB.
2. solid references from past and present clients.
1. experience in working successfully with clubs in the draft process, securing equipment deals, and most importantly, negotiating all levels of contracts with MLB.
2. solid references from past and present clients.
cdn mom,
Did you find an agent? peace, Shep
Did you find an agent? peace, Shep