Jarren Duran’s journey to the big leagues has been anything but ordinary. A 7th-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2018, Duran's blend of blazing speed, improved bat-to-ball skills, and outfield range have helped him evolve into a legit contributor for the Sox. After a rocky start to his MLB career, Duran broke out in 2023, showcasing a potent combo of power and speed that had fantasy baseball and The Show fans alike paying attention.
What makes Duran especially dangerous is his game-breaking speed. Whether it's taking an extra base, covering massive ground in the outfield, or igniting an inning with a leadoff double, he’s the kind of sparkplug every team wants. His improved plate discipline and contact consistency have also turned him into more than just a one-tool threat.
Duran put up a massive 8.7 WAR season last year, earning an All-Star nod and taking home the All-Star Game MVP trophy. His first full MLB season showcased his massive talent and potential, positioning the 28-year old for another impactful year in 2025.
But Jarren Duran's impact goes far beyond the field.
Mental Health Awareness
In the Netflix series The Clubhouse, Duran opened up about his struggles with mental health—a topic still under-discussed in pro sports and society in general. His transparency sparked an important conversation among fans and fellow players alike. Duran talked about feeling like a failure during his early struggles in Boston, even revealing how difficult it was to show up at the ballpark some days. That kind of honesty permeates the human experience and open-discussion is the only way to reduce the stigma around mental health.
Jarren revealed that after his rough rookie season, he was prepared to take his own life to the point he had a weapon at the ready. Thankfully, that weapon didn't fire and not only left Jarren still with us; but gave him the clarity and strength to move forward.
Duran sharing his truth helps shine a light on recovery. It's easy to assume that anyone playing professional sports, or professional musicians, or anyone that appears on a TV screen has a luxurious life. The human experience isn't quite that simple, which highlights the huge rebound Duran had in his 2023 season when he showed solid improvement across the board. Then of course, last year, Jarren captured that All-Star Game MVP trophy which carries so much more weight after he shared his truth with the world.
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. There's plenty of us who are open about our struggles, the battles we face daily, and ultimately how we cope and stay grounded. Jarren's story resonates with me on a personal level which could only happen by him sharing his story to begin with.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, remember you're not alone. Take action even if it starts as a reluctant conversation. Every life is a life worth living and the more open we are, the more understanding we are, and the more loving we are; the safer it becomes for others to share their truth.
Cory Wayne Dell
Cory has been writing about all things baseball and gaming since 2022 and has been featured at Operation Sports as well as cited by Forbes. Cory is also a multi-instrumentalist and founder of the band Cargocastle. Cargocastle's latest single, "Truth and Reconciliation," is available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Cory is also the author of Shadow of a Monster, a personal memoir currently seeking publication.
