The Boston Red Sox have made plenty of smart moves over the past two years, rebuilding their roster and putting themselves in a stronger position for the future. But not every decision made by the front office has worked out as planned, and one particular trade is beginning to look increasingly difficult to defend.
Boston’s decision to trade left-handed reliever Bernardino to the Colorado Rockies before the 2026 season may now be one of the moves the organization wishes it could take back.
The Red Sox sent Bernardino to Colorado in exchange for Braiden Ward, an intriguing infielder/outfielder whose speed immediately caught attention during Spring Training. Ward has plenty of athletic ability and could eventually prove useful to Boston, particularly as a depth option or pinch runner in important games.
However, the problem is becoming increasingly obvious: Ward’s potential value down the road does not erase what the Red Sox are currently missing in their bullpen.
Bernardino has been outstanding for the Rockies this season. The veteran left-hander has appeared in 55 games and posted an impressive 2.64 ERA, establishing himself as a reliable option in high-leverage situations. He has also recorded 36 strikeouts against just 14 walks over 47⅔ innings, numbers that make the decision to move him look even more questionable.
Perhaps the most frustrating part for Boston is that Bernardino is not simply enjoying a temporary hot streak before becoming a free agent. The 34-year-old remains under team control through the 2029 season, meaning Colorado could have a dependable left-handed weapon for several more years.
That is exactly what makes the trade so difficult to understand from Boston’s perspective.
The Red Sox currently could use another proven arm capable of handling important situations late in games. Instead, they moved Bernardino away before the season and received a player who, despite his impressive speed and versatility, does not appear to have a clear path toward consistent major-league playing time.
Of course, trades cannot be judged entirely with hindsight. The Red Sox clearly believed Ward offered something valuable to the organization, and his development could still change the way this deal is viewed in the future. Injuries or roster changes could also create an opportunity for him to make a significant impact.
But right now, the numbers tell an uncomfortable story for Boston.
Bernardino is thriving in Colorado, while Ward remains more of a depth piece waiting for his opportunity. For a team with postseason ambitions, having a dependable left-handed reliever who can be trusted in pressure situations could prove far more valuable than having another intriguing depth option.
The Red Sox have earned plenty of credit for their recent moves, but this one deserves scrutiny. If Bernardino continues pitching at this level, Boston may look back at the trade as one of those decisions that appeared reasonable at the time but became increasingly painful with every dominant outing.
For now, the Rockies are enjoying the benefits of Bernardino’s resurgence, while the Red Sox are left with a question that could become louder as the season progresses: Did Boston give away a bullpen weapon it desperately needed?
