Dellin Betances is making his pitch for Manny Machado.
The Yankees reliever told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com on Tuesday that he is hopeful the team signs the free agent slugger because he believes Machado would be a difference-maker.
"I think he'll put us over the top," Betances said. "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."
GM Brian Cashman has stated that starting pitching is the priority this offseason, but the Yankees were reportedly seeking background information on Machado earlier this week.
SNY's Andy Martino reported earlier this offseason that the Yankees were "lukewarm" on Machado after some of his antics in the postseason but also reported the Yankees are more likely to pursue Machado than Harper and are "ready to pounce" if the market doesn't get out of hand.
Machado is expected to seek a deal north of 10 years, $300 million but Cashman left the door open to possibly trying to stay under the luxury tax threshold for a second consecutive year, raising doubts on whether or not the Yankees are serious about Machado.
The Yankees also have a more imminent need with starting pitching, whereas they have Rookie of the Year runner-up Miguel Andujar at third base.
Machado played shortstop with the Dodgers and could play there on the Yankees but it could be temporary until Didi Gregorius returns from Tommy John surgery.