MLB hot stove: Dellin Betances wants Yankees to sign Manny Machado?

by Felix Pantaleon

New York Yankees reliever Dellin Betances talks about Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado’s free agency, according to a report. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is considering bidding for Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper.

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If Dellin Betances had his way, he’d sign Manny Machado.

That’s what the Yankees reliever said on Tuesday night, via a report from MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

Dellin Betances hopes the #Yankees sign Manny Machado.

“I think he’ll put us over the top. We were short last year. Things could have gone our way, but they didn’t. … Our lineup is already impactful, so adding a guy like that would be pretty crazy.”

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) November 14, 2018

Betances and Machado go back.

They played together for the Dominican Republic in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. They also played on a pair of American League All-Star teams together.

“I played with him in the classic and got a chance to develop a good relationship with him over the years, playing against him,” Betances said, according to the report. “I’m hoping that we get him. I’m keeping close tabs on it. It’s not my decision, but that would be a big piece for the team. We have a good team, but adding a guy like that, that can play at a high level and has played at a high level for quite some time, we would be great.”

The Yankees are expected to chase Machado this offseason.

Machado headlines this year’s free agent class alongside star outfielder Bryce Harper, another potential Yankees target.

Machado reportedly wants to play for the Yankees. The team could fit him in at shortstop while Didi Gregorius recovers from Tommy John surgery. When Gregorius returns, it could slide Machado to third base, where his glove plays better, and potentially move Miguel Andujar either to first base or to left field. Andujar finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year vote.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.