In an emotional disclosure, Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran revealed his 2022 suicide attempt, hoping to connect with people who feel isolated and alone. Duran came forward in an episode of the Netflix docuseries The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox. He shared that he attempted suicide after struggling early in his baseball career.
“Talking about this wasn’t easy, but it felt important,” Duran said in a statement released through the team after the episode aired Tuesday. “I knew that if I was going to share this, I had to be real about it.”
Duran’s journey took a dark turn a few years ago when he felt overwhelmed by the pressures of professional baseball. “A few years ago, I found myself in a dark place, but I’m still here, and I’m so lucky I am. If my story can help even one person, then it was worth telling.”
Drafted in the seventh round, Duran quickly emerged as one of the best hitting prospects in baseball. He was an All-Star last season and made his major league debut in 2021. Still, the burden of expectations from fans and the media took a toll on him. Duran openly admitted he felt like a “zoo animal” at times during the intense media scrutiny.
“I couldn’t deal with telling myself how much I sucked every day,” Duran said. “I was already hearing it from fans. What they said to me—it’s not like I haven’t told myself 10 times worse in the mirror. That was a tough time for me. I didn’t even want to be here anymore.”
In an emotional moment of the docuseries, director Greg Whiteley posed a poignant question to Duran: “When you say, ‘here,’ you mean ‘here with the Red Sox’ or ‘here on planet Earth?'” Duran replied, “Probably both,” and then described his suicide attempt.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Duran’s bravery in sharing his experience, emphasizing that his openness can save lives. “It’s an act of courage that reaches far beyond baseball,” Cora said.
“By opening up, he’s showing others who may be struggling that they’re not alone and that asking for help isn’t just OK—it’s essential,” said Red Sox president Sam Kennedy. “Every member of this organization continues to stand with him. He has our deepest admiration; he’s always had our full support, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have him as part of our team.”
Duran’s parents, Octavio and Dena Duran, were shocked to learn about the extent of their son’s mental health struggles. “It was heartbreaking to hear,” they said. “We are beyond grateful that he is still here, that he has found the courage to keep going, and that he is using his voice to help others. If his story can help even one person, then it was worth sharing. We are incredibly proud of the man he is today and love him more than words can say. We will always be in his corner.”
With the baseball season looming, Duran is eager to get back in tune with his performance. He has just gone through a hitting spree, with six hits in four games, including two doubles against the Toronto Blue Jays.
“Ask for help,” Duran encouraged media members in the Red Sox clubhouse. “I know it’s not easy. The resources have been there. It’s just when you’re going through it, you don’t want to talk about it. It’s just you versus you, and you shut yourself off from the world. And I mean, it’s pretty lonely.”
Duran’s candor regarding his struggles and his path to recovery highlights the importance of mental health as an issue in sports and life. His willingness to share his story may assist others facing similar battles, fostering a culture of community and awareness.
