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Report: Phillies eyeing Betances, Romine

Stephen Brashear / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Philadelphia Phillies are interested in signing right-hander Dellin Betances and catcher Austin Romine in free agency, according to George A. King III of the New York Post.

New Phillies skipper Joe Girardi is familiar with both players after managing them with the New York Yankees. Philadelphia is also reportedly pursuing free-agent shortstop Didi Gregorius.

Betances only appeared in one game in 2019 due to multiple injuries. However, the four-time All-Star has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball since 2014. He owns a career 2.36 ERA with a sublime 14.5 K/9 rate.

The 31-year-old is recovering from a partially torn Achilles tendon suffered in mid-September. Betances would certainly be a boon for the Phillies, as the club finished 23rd in the majors for bullpen WAR last season, according to FanGraphs.

Romine, meanwhile, filled in admirably for the Yankees when All-Star catcher Gary Sanchez was injured. The 31-year-old slashed .281/.310/.439 with eight home runs in 72 games during the 2019 campaign.

The Phillies already employ arguably the league's best backstop in J.T. Realmuto, so Romine would be set for a backup role.

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