‘‘You just have to focus on the positives and take it one day at a time,” mentioned Jarren Duran, an electrifying outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. He mesmerized fans with his breakout in 2023, but behind the shining curtains of those on-field successes lies a story of resilience, struggle, and mental fortitude.

For every highlight-reel moment in his career, Duran has had to navigate personal battles with mental health, uncovering the unseen sides of the game. After all the battles, though, Duran rolled out of these challenges to triumph: making it onto the 2024 All-Star Game roster and being named MVP—an inspiration to many who fight similar battles. Let’s delve into Duran’s journey and explore the obstacles he encountered before achieving MVP status!

The struggles behind the success

After a tough 2022 season, Jarren Duran revealed his mental health struggles and aired an athlete’s journey of sailing through crests and troughs. Many people vocalized their frank explanations and, in turn, he shed light on the most overlooked share of professional sports. Perhaps the greater success came in 2023; through the introspection of Jarren Duran’s struggles, which he shared through heartfelt posts on Instagram.

During an eye-opening interview with WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Jarren Duran shared his current battle with mental health and the defiant attitude he possesses about what lies ahead. On his wrist tape, Duran jotted down a very stiff message: “Just saying ‘F**k ’em,’ they can’t win. I’m still here,” with a personal reminder of how resilient he could be.

“It’s just a personal thing to remind me of the stuff I have gone through mentally,” Duran said.

This message and the phrase “I’m still alive” represent Duran’s determination to push forward and win, no matter what.

“I went through some tough times when I didn’t think I would be here. But I’m still here, still fighting. That’s kind of a daily reminder to myself,” he said. He has become inspiring due to his openness to share what he has been dealing with as fans have reached out to thank him and to show support. But the outfielder’s struggle didn’t just end. There was a lot more to his story than what appeared, so let’s identify how he became an All-Star MVP.

The journey from struggle to ALL-STAR MVP

The breakout 2023 season was a testament to Jarren Duran’s hard work and dedication. In that period, he hit .295 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs, adding 34 doubles, two triples, and 24 stolen bases in 102 games. His season was cut short because of an injury to his toe, so he left with unfinished business. Looking to prove himself, Jarren Duran entered the 2024 season focused on proving to naysayers that he is not a one-season wonder!

He mentioned throughout the grueling season that there are always people who want to shoot the negative vibe and break him down mentally “There are always the negative people out there,” he said.

“But the positives I have gotten from the fans and teammates that I have talked to about it are greater than that. You just have to focus on the positives and take it one day at a time.” But later in the quote, Duran mentioned that even if there was a thread of positivity in his life, it was just because of his fans and teammates, who motivated him to eliminate the negative and focus just on the positive aspects of life.

One thing Duran did was to write daily notes to stay positive and remember what was most important to him. “I write stuff down now. I write down a daily note of what I’m looking forward to. And then, when my day is over, I write down what I’m looking forward to the next day,” he said. He kept focused and motivated with this habit of writing and rebounded even after a poor game.

Most amazingly, Duran kept pushing hard and was selected as the MVP of the 2024 All-Star Game. The journey from the lowest mental health state to the highest peak of his career makes him a role model to many. If the Red Sox were to spring a surprise in the baseball world this summer, Jarren Duran’s story would be a metaphor for the will to overcome the odds and be the best. Jarren Duran’s story raises awareness for mental health in sports, signifies what harm will happen if we ignore our mental well-being, and will inspire many athletes and fans.

What did you learn from Jarren Duran’s journey? Write down your thoughts below.