Jared Porter, once a Chicago Cubs executive in 2016, found himself at the center of a storm when he sent an inappropriate text message to a reporter. This incident led to his swift firing as the general manager of the New York Mets just 38 days after being hired in 2021. The fallout from this event has had a significant impact on Porter's life and career.

First Impressions and the Aftermath

During an episode of the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast released on Friday, Porter made his first public comments about his firing. He admitted that the relationship was inappropriate on multiple levels, both for himself and the reporter. When the article detailing his actions first came out, he was filled with a tremendous amount of fear, shame, and reached out to his wife, family, and colleagues at the Mets. It was a truly tough moment for him, as he realized the gravity of his mistake.

Porter understood why Mets owner Steve Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson had to make the decision to fire him. He had enjoyed his time at the Mets and was grateful for the opportunity to be a general manager. However, when the truth came to light, they had to prioritize the best interests of the team. Porter holds no ill will towards them and believes they made the right call.

After receiving a text message from Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick, Porter was directed to The Meadows, a center in Arizona for treatment of addiction and emotional trauma. He spent about a week in an inpatient mental health institute and then underwent outpatient treatment at the Meadows facility in Scottsdale for five days a week over eight or nine weeks. This experience was a turning point for him as he began to address his emotional issues.

Dealing with Emotional Walls and Boundaries

Porter, who turned 45 on Tuesday, has been open about his struggles with emotional walls and boundaries. He realizes that his actions were a result of these issues and is committed to working on himself. He has helped start a company named Blend that focuses on working with youth, college, and professional athletes on mental health skills. This shows his determination to make a positive impact and help others facing similar challenges.

Through his experiences, Porter has learned valuable lessons about self-awareness and the importance of making better choices. He hopes that his story can serve as a reminder to others of the consequences of their actions and the need for personal growth.

Major League Baseball suspended Porter through the 2022 season, which was a significant setback. However, he is using this time to focus on his recovery and continue his work with Blend. He believes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others to seek help and take control of their mental health.