Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski's recent comments about Bryce Harper continue to have unexpected consequences.

Dombrowski curiously wondered aloud whether Harper can return to being an elite player after having an average season by his standards. Harper spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Washington Nationals before signing a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies, but Dombrowski's comments have fueled trade rumors for the star.

Harper, an eight-time All-Star and two-time MVP, told The Athletic's Matt Gelb he's hurt by all the trade speculation that has come from Dombrowski's comments.

"I have given my all to Philly from the start," Harper told Gelb Saturday. "Now there is trade talk? I made every effort to avoid this.

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