Intentional walks are a tactical option that often make perfect sense for a team to try. Yes, you’re putting a runner on, but you’re either getting yourself a more advantageous matchup or setting up a situation that leave you better equipped to get out of the inning damage free.
Yet, there’s always risk. You are putting a runner on base still. If it backfires, it’s probably going to get even worse than if you didn’t issue the intentional walk. The Angels tried to intentionally walk their way through a 1962 game against the Yankees. While it very nearly worked, it eventually backfired on them.