"I was just looking at every negative thing" - All-Star hopeful Jarren Duran discusses mental health challenges

Boston Red Sox outfielder and potential All-Star Jarren Duran is enjoying a positive season, a result of much hard work and growth. Duran could end up in Arlington this summer as one of the game's best, but that was not always a reality he or anyone else could see clearly.

Many young players struggle at first in the big leagues, and that struggle sometimes lasts multiple seasons. Duran had a particularly tough time in 2022, but two years later, he's a budding star.

Duran said on the "Foul Territory" podcast:

"We all know how humbling this game can be. I was just looking at every negative thing that somebody could say about me. Telling myself how bad I was every single day. Telling myself I don't deserve to be here. I don't belong here. Just kind of took me in the offseason to look in the mirror..., 'Do you want to be here anymore?'"

Duran continued to question himself and eventually went down a "pretty dark path," but he had people around who helped him along the way. Eventually, he began telling himself that he could do it. Now, he's living proof that he can do it as well as anyone.

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Can Jarren Duran make the All-Star Game?

The first phase of the All-Star Game voting was released on Monday. The leading outfielders, in line to start in Arlington in July, are Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and Kyle Tucker.

Jarren Duran is not in the top three. In fact, Duran isn't even in the top nine, meaning he's all but guaranteed not to move on in the fan vote. Ahead of him are Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Alex Verdugo, Colton Cowser, Mike Trout and Adolis Garcia. Duran's path will have to come from another option.

Jarren Duran is playing well ion 2024

The reserves are yet to be announced, and there's still time for Duran to mount a campaign. It's a long shot, but there's still time for voters and other decision-makers to get him to the game. He is hitting .293 with a .843 OPS and good defense this year.