Yankees: Dellin Betances hopeful of Manny Machado’s signing

As the Yankees decide whether or not to extend a sizeable contract offer to Manny Machado, reliever Dellin Betances is already sounding the alarm for the four-time All-Star.

There’s no doubt, adding the two-way ability of Manny Machado to the Yankees roster would create an instant spark — putting the rest of the American League on notice.

However, we’ve heard conflicting reports as to whether general manager Brian Cashman is actually interested in signing the 26-year-old, two-time Gold Glove winner.

Ken Rosenthal recently reported that the Bombers are doing “extensive” background work on Machado. Now, four-time All-Star Dellin Betances told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com that he flat-out hopes the Yanks sign the former Oriole, turned Dodger infielder.

“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. “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.”More from Yankees NewsYankees’ Clay Holmes trade just became even bigger disaster for PiratesMets stealing New York Post’s entire Yankees offseason plan is hilariousYankees add to championship core with Wilmer Difo signingAaron Judge’s ‘breadcrumbs’ showed he was never leaving Yankees, has more moves in mindYankees analyst Cameron Maybin projects surprise landing spot for Gary Sánchez

Machado is coming off another stellar regular season, hitting a combined .297/.367/.538 with 84 runs scored, 37 home runs and 107 RBIs while touting an impressive 104:70 K:BB ratio across 604 at-bats.

Had it not been for his repeated postseason antics, including the now infamous “Johnny Hustle” comment, I truly believe the Yankees would be the hands-down favorite for Machado — even with pitching being the Yanks’ No. 1 priority.

A player of Machado’s caliber (not attitude) comes around once or twice in a generation. Obviously, there are red flags that now need to be taken into account. The loss of Didi Gregorius to Tommy John surgery only complicates matters — especially for those that do not want to see Manny in pinstripes.

The one thing no one can debate is that Machado is only one of 32 players in baseball history to top a WAR of 30 through their age-25 season.

Betances also went on to say that he feels the Yankee offseason is off to a good start with the re-signing of veterans Brett Gardner and C.C. Sabathia. The Manhattan-native must have been feeling chatty because he also let it be known to Newsday that it’d be “huge” to see the return of relievers David Robertson and Zach Britton.

With the luxury tax penalty reset — and subsequent threshold set at $206 million, the Yankees have plenty of money to spend, so dollars and cents shouldn’t be a hindrance, even if Hal Steinbrenner feels his club doesn’t need to have a $200 million payroll to be competitive.