In a round-table “discussion,” of MLB.com reporters, three out of four predicted that free agent slugger Juan Soto will spurn the New York Yankees for the New York Mets.

Yankees’ beat reporter Bryan Hoch gave Yankees fans hope, however.

While Hoch conceded that the Mets have the financial advantage, he said the Yankees understand the consequences of letting Soto go to the crosstown rivals.

“The Mets probably will have the high bid, but if the Yankees’ offer is at all competitive, I think there’s a decent chance he stays in the Bronx. Hal Steinbrenner understands the assignment and what the fallout will be if they let Soto get away,” Hoch wrote. “They’re prepared to do what they need to keep him. At some point, maybe Judge and Gerrit Cole pick up the phone and help out in this thing, too. Their sales pitch is simple -- here’s all the money you will ever need. You just played in the World Series, and you’re going to have a chance to get back there every year. Come hit in front of Judge for the rest of your career and we’ll see you in Cooperstown with an NY on your cap.”

MLB.com reporters Ian Browne (Boston Red Sox beat writer), Mark Feinsand, and Anthony DiComo (Mets beat reporter) all ranked the Mets as the favorites to land the 26-year-old outfielder.

All four agreed that the Blue Jays were a distant fourth in this situation, and the Red Sox are in the mix because Soto grew up a Red Sox fan rooting for fellow Dominicans David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez.

Three of the four agreed that Soto did not want to go back to the Wes Coast to play, and that ruled out the Los Angeles Dodgers.