Harper hurt by trade talk after Dombrowski comments

Philadelphia Phillies star first baseman Bryce Harper is upset after hearing his name surface in trade rumors, following comments from team president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski over a week ago that appeared to question his status as an elite player.

"I have given my all to Philly from the start," Harper told The Athletic's Matt Gelb on Saturday. "Now there is trade talk? I made every effort to avoid this. It's all I heard in D.C. (with the Nationals). I hated it. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

Dombrowski attempted to clarify his comments Thursday, saying they weren't intended as criticism and emphasizing that rumors regarding a Harper trade "couldn't be further from the truth."

Harper's .844 OPS this past campaign was his lowest since 2016. However, he finished the regular season with 27 homers, 131 wRC+, and 3.5 fWAR despite missing 30 games with a wrist injury.

"All players get hurt," Harper said. "I hurt my wrist this year and missed a month. Of course, I don't have full-year numbers.

"It's disappointing to hear me being questioned about my contribution to the team. Just really hurt by that notion because I love Philly so much."

The Phillies have advanced to the postseason in four straight seasons, but haven't won a World Series with Harper on the roster. The closest they've come was in 2022 when they lost to the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic.

Harper is under contract with the Phillies until 2031 after inking a 13-year, $330-million deal before the 2019 season. He has full no-trade protection and no opt-out clause in his deal.