Whether or not the Yankees re-sign RHP Dellin Betances and C Austin Romine remains to be seen, but the Phillies reportedly could make a move for the duo.
Philadelphia, which hired former New York manager Joe Girardi (2008-17) Oct. 24, has interest in Betances and Romine, according to a report published Friday by George A. King III of the New York Post.
The Phillies have also been tied to SS Didi Gregorius, who is set for free agency after the Yankees did not extend a qualifying offer Nov. 4.
As the market for free agency starts to get going with the 2019 Baseball Winter Meetings from Dec. 8-12 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, the Phillies are one team worth watching for the three Yankees free agents.
Girardi managed the Yankees for 10 years with all three of Betances, Romine and Gregorius in the majors together since the 2015 season.
Of the three, Betances has the most compelling case.
Among the best relievers in baseball entering the 2019 campaign, Betances' right shoulder impingement and subsequent oblique injury delayed his debut, and he ultimately suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in the only MLB outing Sept. 15 against the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
If the Phillies need bullpen help and the hard-throwing Betances, when healthy, could help fill the void after he went 21-22 with a 2.36 ERA and 621 strikeouts to 170 walks with the Yankees in eight years from 2011-19.
Betances' batterymate at times as the Yankees' reliable backup, Romine was known for his defense behind Gary Sanchez, but he also stepped up in the box when the lineup needed him.
Among his eight years with the Yankees from 2011-19, Romine slashed .239/.281/.417. In 72 games on the 2019 season as Sanchez missed extended time with injuries, Romine hit eight home runs and 35 RBI.