How to Become a Baseball GM & Scout: Online Course with Dan Evans & Hank Jones

How to Become a Baseball GM & Scout: Online Course with Dan Evans & Hank Jones
June 10, 2025 by Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

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Course Overview:

Step into the high-stakes world of baseball front offices with SMWW’s Baseball GM & Scouting Course, taught by two industry veterans: Dan Evans, former General Manager of the LA Dodgers and SABR Board President, and Hank Jones, a 40-year LA Dodgers scout. Learn from the experts who have shaped MLB rosters and have a deep understanding of scouting, team building, and leadership. This course provides a comprehensive look at the responsibilities and strategies involved in becoming a Major League Baseball General Manager and Scout.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Scouting and Talent Evaluation: Learn how to identify and evaluate players at every level, from high school and college prospects to international talent.

  • Player Development: Gain an understanding of how MLB teams develop talent through the minors and what scouts look for in potential major league stars.

  • Building a Winning Team: Discover the ins and outs of constructing a competitive roster, from trades and free agent signings to budget management.

  • Advanced Analytics: Dive into the statistical analysis that shapes decision-making in scouting and front-office roles. Understand advanced metrics and how they influence team-building strategies.

  • Negotiation and Contracts: Get an overview of how contracts and negotiations work in baseball, including player signings, team options, and arbitration.

  • Leadership and Team Management: Learn how MLB GMs and scouts collaborate with coaches, managers, and ownership to develop cohesive team strategies and maintain a successful organization.

Why Learn from Dan Evans and Hank Jones:

Dan Evans brings a wealth of knowledge to this course, having served as General Manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played a pivotal role in player acquisitions and roster management. With years of experience leading a major league team, Evans has a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in building a competitive baseball team. He is also the President of SABR (Society for American Baseball Research), a role that gives him an in-depth perspective on the evolution of baseball analytics and talent evaluation.

Hank Jones offers unparalleled expertise in scouting, having spent over four decades with the LA Dodgers as a scout. His extensive career in talent evaluation spans across amateur, professional, and international players, providing students with a deep understanding of what it takes to identify future major league stars. Jones' insights into scouting are invaluable, especially when it comes to assessing raw talent and understanding how players develop over time. His experience has made him a respected figure in the world of baseball scouting, and his advice is crucial for anyone looking to break into or advance in the field.

Ideal For:

  • Aspiring MLB General Managers

  • Current scouts seeking to refine their skills

  • Sports professionals aiming for front office careers

  • Baseball enthusiasts wanting to break into the industry

  • Students looking to understand the business side of baseball

Course Highlights:

  • Live Instruction: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Dan Evans and Hank Jones, with opportunities for personalized guidance and Q&A.

  • Practical Assignments: Apply what you’ve learned through real-world case studies and talent evaluations, and refine your scouting and decision-making skills.

  • Industry Networking: Build valuable connections with scouts, front-office personnel, and other industry professionals during the course.

  • Career Insights: Gain practical advice on how to navigate a career in baseball management, from landing your first scouting job to advancing in the GM ranks.

  • Comprehensive Learning: Learn both traditional scouting techniques and how analytics are changing the landscape of MLB operations and roster building.

Get Started:

Start your journey towards becoming a Major League Baseball General Manager or Scout today. For more information and to enroll, visit the SMWW Baseball GM & Scouting Course page.