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