Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth.

In this episode, former pros Kyle Schmidt and Jeremy Hermida break down one of the hottest trends in baseball today: massive, long-term contracts being offered to players early in their careers, often before they've established themselves at the big league level.

Teams are making bold commitments to prospects earlier than ever. Kyle and Jeremy explore both sides of the table—what it means for team financial strategy and for a young player's life, career, and wealth.

Key Topics Covered

• The new wave of early MLB mega-contracts and what's driving the trend
• Risk vs. reward for both teams and players on long-term deals
• How young players should think about wealth when $100M+ arrives before age 21
• Back-loaded contracts, and why the headline number isn't what it seems
• The MLB arbitration process and why early deals help players avoid it
• Free agency at 28 vs. 32: why age matters more than ever in today's game
• Financial mistakes professional athletes make, and how to avoid them
• Why the right financial advisory team matters as much as the contract itself

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode at the intersection of Major League Baseball and financial intelligence — built for players, families, and fans who want to understand both sides of the game.

CONTACT
For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com
Visit: BIPWealth.com

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth.

The opening quarter of 2026 was anything but quiet. With a war in Iran reshaping the geopolitical chessboard, fractured Western alliances, the ongoing AI investment surge, and rising questions about the death of Software as a Service, BIP Wealth CIO Eric Cramer unpacks the forces defining portfolio performance right now, and what smart investors should be doing in response.

In this episode of Ahead in the Count, Eric, BIP Wealth Baseball Division's Chase Murray, and host Nolan Alexander break down the Q1 2026 Quarterly Market Review with a focus on three tectonic shifts: realigning global trade power, the volatility return, and emerging opportunities hiding inside the chaos — especially for net savers and professional athletes still in their earning years.

Shifting Global Trade Alliances

How the post-WWII Western alliance system is fracturing — and why the EU–India trade deal, CPTPP expansion, and new South American agreements matter to your portfolio even if you've never heard of them.

Market Volatility Is Back — and What Could Happen

Eric explains why Q1's selloff was a warning shot, how risk has increased across every asset class including U.S. Treasuries, and why "safe havens" are harder to find than ever before.

International Equities Outperforming the U.S.

For the first time in years, BIP Wealth is rethinking its traditional overweight in U.S. equities. Find out which global markets are generating real returns as America's share of the global index shrinks.

AI & the SaaS Apocalypse

The so-called "SaaS-pocalypse" is creating zombie companies in private markets. Eric explains which company traits will pivot successfully to AI and which won't survive — and how that ripples into private equity and private credit valuations.

Private Credit: Risk Repricing Creates New Opportunity

As spreads widen from SOFR+6% to SOFR+7%, new private credit deals are more rewarding for incoming investors. Eric walks through how to think about the math, and why short-term price marks shouldn't panic long-term holders.

Tax Strategies for High-Income Earners

With mounting U.S. debt likely to push tax brackets higher regardless of which party holds power, BIP Wealth is rolling out new municipal bond strategies to shelter income; a timely move for athletes in peak earning years.

Why This Could Be a Great Entry Point for Net Savers

Despite the fear you see online, Eric makes the case that for baseball players and professional athletes still actively earning and saving, right now may be one of the best market entry points in years.

CONTACT
For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com
Visit: BIPWealth.com

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth.

This episode hits on three critical financial market challenges shaping 2026: the private credit bubble, AI-driven SaaS disruption, and the massive 'dry powder' capital deployment problem. BIP Ventures COO and General Partner Mark Flickinger explains why the headlines are misleading, how to separate good investments from bad ones, and why disciplined investors positioned in the right segments will thrive in this volatile environment.

Flickinger explains the core problem: 90% of private credit capital is concentrated in the top 50 firms, while deal flow remains limited. This creates a 'race to the bottom' where funds lower interest rates, remove covenants, and increase leverage to deploy capital.

Opportunities exist at the "bottom of the pyramid" where less capital concentration creates better risk-adjusted returns. BIP's private credit strategy focuses on senior-secured, covenant-heavy credits in underserved segments.

AI is rapidly displacing SaaS businesses with rules-based processes. However, SaaS companies with proprietary data or in complex workflows are seeing AI as a tailwind, not a threat. The market isn't distinguishing between companies that will thrive and those that won't survive AI displacement.

Since early 2022, hundreds of billions in private equity capital remains undeployed due to macro uncertainty (interest rates, tariffs, AI disruption). This creates a cyclical pattern: years without exits followed by 2-3 years of heavy activity. Companies that create value through downturns are best positioned for future liquidity events.

CONTACT
For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com
Visit: BIPWealth.com

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth.

In this Opening Day episode of Ahead in the Count, former professional baseball players Chase Murray and John Hester discuss strategies for joining a new clubhouse. Whether you're gearing up for Opening Day, promoted from the minors, traded mid-season, or navigating a new organization for the first time, this episode provides insider advice on building relationships, understanding competition, and making a strong first impression.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
• How to assimilate quickly into a new clubhouse environment
• Proven strategies for building teammate relationships during spring training
• How to handle in-season promotions and trades
• Balancing friendship with healthy competition among position groupmates
• The role of professionalism and performance in earning respect
• Why cultural awareness (like learning Spanish) matters in baseball
• How to view trades and mid-season changes as a fresh start
• Managing expectations when joining a winning organization

Even though MLB rosters appear stable on paper, significant turnover happens annually. With a 26-man roster, many players are new each year. Spring training provides an essential opportunity to cultivate relationships through casual interactions, like breakfast conversations, weight room time, batting cage sessions, with different work groups. Getting to know teammates before camp breaks builds familiarity that carries into the season and helps when players move between organizations.

The best approach when entering a new clubhouse is simple: be yourself and play the game the way you know how. Don't overthink new surroundings or try to be someone you're not. Whether promoted to the majors or traded mid-season, teams acquired or called up players for a reason. Your job is to execute your role without overanalyzing the situation. Every game matters, especially in the big leagues. Wins count in April just like September.

Each organization has unique pre-game routines, celebratory traditions, and locker room customs. Embrace these differences. Be open to team music, celebration styles, and clubhouse dynamics. Having fun and not taking yourself too seriously (while maintaining professional focus on your craft) helps create social connections that build stronger team chemistry.

Here's baseball's uncomfortable truth: your teammates are also your competition. Position groupmates directly compete for playing time. While they become best friends, their performance impacts your opportunities. This dynamic is unique in professional sports, but it's manageable through professionalism. Understanding that performance on the field determines outcomes, and that stats don't lie in baseball, helps maintain a healthy perspective. You can't hide in baseball; the jumbotron displays your batting average.

Learning Spanish is valuable for any ballplayer working with Latin American teammates. Making effort to communicate in their language, even imperfectly, builds respect and relationships. Latin players bring infectious positivity, high energy, and strong personalities that can elevate an entire clubhouse. Organizations are increasingly teaching English to international players, but showing cultural awareness goes a long way toward integration.

Getting traded mid-season feels jarring—you might go from the West Coast to the East Coast overnight. The key is checking your ego and remembering that performance speaks louder than anything else. A trade signals that your new organization values you as part of their team and culture. View it as a fresh start: teammates haven't seen your full body of work; you can reframe your season narrative.

When an organization trades for you or calls you up, pressure comes with the territory. Reframe that pressure as privilege—you've been chosen. Every transaction, waiver claim, and promotion is part of the professional baseball journey. Most players don't get to dictate their careers; they must make the most of every opportunity, even those outside their control.

CONTACT
For more information: jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, jhermida@bipwealth.com
Visit: BIPWealth.com

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth.

Tax season is here, and for professional baseball players, the stakes couldn't be higher. This timely episode welcomes BIP Wealth tax advisor Allie Powell and baseball division member John Hester to break down everything ball players—and their families—need to know about taxes in 2026.

From the landmark changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBB) to SEP IRA strategies for college athletes earning NIL money, this episode is a must-listen for current and future MLB draft picks, minor leaguers, and their families.

• What the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBB) means for baseball players' taxes

• The major SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction change from $10,000 to $40,000

• How to optimize W-2 income vs. 1099 endorsement/NIL income

• Why a SEP IRA is a game-changer for college athletes with NIL deals

• Understanding estimated tax payments and the IRS Safe Harbor rule

• Tax planning strategies for MLB draft signing bonuses

• The power of donor-advised funds for charitable giving deductions

• Why compound growth in tax-deferred accounts over 40 years is "incredible"

To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com, or jhermida@bipwealth.com

Getting ready to report to spring training? Former pro ballplayers Jeremy Hermida and Chase Murray share insider advice on preparing for spring training, from physical preparation to financial planning. Whether you're heading to Arizona or Florida, this episode covers everything minor leaguers need to know before packing their bags.

Welcome to "Ahead in the Count," presented by BIP Wealth. Our Baseball Division combines their collegiate and professional baseball playing experience with financial acumen to provide expertise in life on and off the field. We aim to give ballplayers and their families a better understanding about their unique lifestyle, the opportunities that come from playing this game, and insight into the complex financial world. This is "Ahead in the Count," hosted by Nolan Alexander, from BIP Wealth.

Housing (Priority #1)

• Book early - Prices increase as spring training approaches
• Secure your housing in January, not February
• Costs rise significantly the longer you wait

Transportation

• Ship your car vs. rent - Consider the $1,200-$1,500 cost each way
• Arizona complexes may require different planning than Florida
• Factor in where you'll be assigned for the season
• Having your own vehicle vs. finding a teammate with a car

Financial & Tax Documents

• Set up mail forwarding or have someone collect mail at home
• Tax documents start arriving during spring training
• Send financial documents to your advisor immediately
• LLC expenses - Track them throughout the season, not just in December

Off-Season Income

• Baseball camps and clinics
• Part-time work (Uber, etc.)
• Track all business expenses if you have an LLC
• Keep receipts and notes throughout the season

Expense Management

• Use a dedicated credit card for business expenses
• Write everything down, even if you're unsure it qualifies
• Let your financial advisor determine what's deductible
• Review credit card and bank statements during the off-season

Getting in the Zone

• Arrive at complex early to flip the switch mentally
• Separate from off-season distractions and noise
• Access to facilities, coaches, and weight rooms before official report date
• Nothing replicates actual on-complex preparation

Setting Goals

• Review what you did last season
• Set personal and financial goals for 2026
• Every season is a new chapter of your career
• Control your preparation, not the outcome
• "You're only as good as your next at-bat"

✅ Secure spring training housing
✅ Arrange transportation (ship car or rental)
✅ Set up mail forwarding
✅ Notify financial advisor of your spring training location
✅ Gather any outstanding tax documents
✅ Track off-season business expenses
✅ Ramp up baseball activities
✅ Set personal and professional goals for 2026

Please like, subscribe, and rate this podcast episode of Ahead in the Count!

To contact the hosts, send an email to jhester@bipwealth.com, kschmidt@bipwealth.com, cmurray@bipwealth.com,