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Jarrenduran’s path to the Boston Red Sox batting leadoff was named the 2024 All-Star Game MVP and jumpstarted revenue potential in 2026 by signing a one-year, $3.75 million contract with Club Options for $8 million.
The former Cal State Long Beach and Cypress High Outfielder is open about his mental health struggles, including an oral explosion to fans, wearing a t-shirt with a profanity message for 2022, and is most concerned about depression and suicide attempts for Duran and his loved ones.
Interviewed about the eight-part Netflix docusary “Clubhouse: Year with the Red Sox,” which will premiere Tuesday, Duran said he is struggling with himself so much that he doesn’t want to live.
“I had already heard that from the fans,” Duran said at the Doxalies. “And what they said to me, [it was like]”I got 10 times worse in the mirror.” That really struggled for me. I didn’t want to be here anymore. ”
The 28-year-old described the moment he nearly killed himself with horrifyingly harsh words.
“I was sitting in my room, I had a rifle, I had a bullet, I pulled the trigger and clicked on the gun, but nothing happened,” he said. “So, until today, I don’t think God lets him take his life because he doesn’t know why it didn’t happen. I took that as a sign. I might have to be here, when I started looking at myself in the mirror after the gun didn’t go away.
“I’d say ‘Do you want to be here, or don’t you want to be here?” That happens for a reason, and obviously you have a reason, so let’s become the way you want to be [the way] You want to play and live the way you want to live. ”
Duran enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, leading the American League in doubles (48), triples (14), plate appearance (735), and at-bats (671). He hit .285 with 191 hits, scoring 111 runs, 21 homers and 34 stolen bases.
His rise coincided with his new resolve, beginning in 2023, when he hit .295 at 24 stolen bases in 102 games after being recalled from Triple A.
“Jarlen’s decision to share his story is an act of courage to reach far beyond baseball,” Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement. “He shows them not alone, they are showing others who may be struggling that it’s not okay to just ask for help, which is essential.
“Every member of this organization continues to stand with him. He has deep admiration for us. He has always had full support from us and we are extremely fortunate to have him as part of our team.”
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Counseling Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with the idea of suicide, call 9-8-8 for help from a professional. The US’s first national triple-digit mental health crisis hotline 988 connects callers with trained mental health counselors. “Home” text to US and Canada 741741 to reach the text line of crisis.
Duran was the Red Sox’s seventh draft pick from Cal State Long Beach in 2018. Early in his professional career in college, he showed good speed and athleticism, but had little power. That changed in 2021 when he hit 16 Homers in a 60 Triple A game and was promoted to the Red Sox.
However, he struggled, hitting .215 on two home runs in 33 games. The next season was a repetition, with good numbers in Triple A, allowing him to hit .221 with three home runs in 58 games.
By August 2022, he was mentally helicopter, saying, “I can’t talk about too many things, but this year it’s pretty low. It’s a struggle to stay. [in the big leagues]. I’m so closed to everyone, I don’t really talk to my family about my low points.
“I’m kind of tearing myself internally, I’m pretty depressed and it’s something like that. I don’t want to bother others with my own problems, so I find it difficult to reach out to people.
Major League Baseball provides mental health resources for players who helped Duran, and the Red Sox have long provided comprehensive health services to major league players and minor league players.
“The Red Sox … provided mental health screening, crisis response protocols, educational programming, internal care and access to trustworthy external professionals,” the Red Sox said in a statement. “Support covers all seven minor league affiliates, with collaboration between medical, performance and coaching staff, ensuring care is available at all levels.”
After reaching the two-run home in an American League victory last August, Duran stopped two games to stoke a homophobic slur at fans hugging him.
Duran later expressed regret to reporters, but he did so while wearing a t-shirt reading “f—’em”, some onlookers wondered how serious he was. The t-shirt was started by Duran and was also worn to support his teammates in their efforts to address his mental health issues.
In the Docusary, Duran said that constant effort is required to avoid depression. He maintains his daily diary and employs written reminders that encourage him to win the battle.
“On top [the tape on] My left wrist, I write “f—’em.” Because I’m telling the devil, “You’re not going to bother me.” And I write, “And I’m still here and I’m still fighting, so I’m ‘still alive.’ ”
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