Red Sox Elite Hurler Surprisingly Mentioned As Possible Trade Candidate

Should the Red Sox actually consider trading one of their best pitchers this summer?
Apr 29, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Boston Red Sox logo and a field bag during batting practice before the game between the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Boston Red Sox logo and a field bag during batting practice before the game between the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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How will the Boston Red Sox handle the 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline?

Things could go either way at this point for Boston. The Red Sox have been inconsistent to begin the season -- thanks in large part to a surprising amount of injuries -- and currently sit in third place in the American League East with a 30-30 record.

Boston's starting rotation and bullpen have been its strengths this season. If the Red Sox can stay afloat, it may make sense to add with several important pieces working their way back from injuries.

If Boston isn't able to rack up some wins, there's a chance that it could end up being sellers. One player who surprisingly was mentioned as a possible trade option is reliever Brennan Bernardino by ESPN's Jeff Passan.

"Closer Kenley Jansen and setup man Chris Martin are the sorts of relievers who can help win championships," Passan said. "And if the Red Sox want to get really creative, they can at least entertain moving one of their controllable relievers, whether it's Justin Slaten, Brennan Bernardino, Cam Booser, or Greg Weissert. All of them have been good, and capitalizing on that kind of performance is the sort of thing of which future championships are made."

Bernardino has been fantastic for the Red Sox so far this season. He arguably has been one of the best relievers in baseball this season and has logged a 0.72 ERA and 25-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 25 innings pitched.

The lefty surprisingly didn't make the big league roster out of Spring Training but clearly has shown that it was a mistake to leave him in the minors. He is under team control and won't be a free agent until 2030 so it would take a massive haul in order to land him from Boston.

It would be surprising to see the Red Sox move Bernardino this season unless something major changes.

More MLB: Tigers Could Trade Veteran Utility Man; Red Sox Are Logical Landing Spot


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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu