Rockies Acquire Brennan Bernardino in Key Trade Deal
The Colorado Rockies have made a significant move by acquiring left-hander Brennan Bernardino from the Boston Red Sox. In exchange, the Rockies sent minor league player Braiden Ward to Boston.
Trade Details
Brennan Bernardino, who will turn 34 in January, has spent the last three seasons with the Red Sox. During this period, he pitched between 50 and 52 innings each season, maintaining a solid 3.46 ERA. Bernardino’s performance includes a strikeout rate of 23.6% and a walk rate of 9.9% over 153 1/3 innings.
Bernardino’s Career and Performance
Bernardino was initially signed by the Seattle Mariners in 2022 after being discovered in independent baseball. He has developed into a reliable middle reliever. However, recent statistics indicate a slight decline in his performance. His average sinker velocity decreased from 91.4 mph in 2024 to 90.7 mph in 2025, which coincided with reductions in both his strikeout and walk rates.
- 2024 Strikeout Rate: 24.8%
- 2025 Strikeout Rate: 19.6%
- 2024 Walk Rate: 9.7%
- 2025 Walk Rate: 11.6%
The Rockies will have Bernardino under control for another four years, with his projected arbitration earnings set at approximately $1.1 million for the upcoming season. As a Super Two player, he is also eligible for three additional salary increases throughout his six-year control period.
About Braiden Ward
The player Boston received in the trade, Braiden Ward, is a promising center fielder who was drafted in the 16th round by the Rockies in 2021. Over the last season, he showcased impressive stats across Double-A and Triple-A:
- Batting Average: .290
- On-Base Percentage: .395
- Slugging Percentage: .391
- Plate Appearances: 368
- Strikeout Rate: 16.6%
- Walk Rate: 9.5%
Ward is known for his exceptional speed and has also played some time at second base. With the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, he is eligible for selection, though the Red Sox appear confident he will remain with the team.
This trade marks a notable development for both teams as they shape their rosters for the future.
