Chapman: Free agency a factor in appeal decision

New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman said the prospect of becoming a free agent after the season played a part in his decision to accept the 30-game suspension he received Tuesday under the league's new domestic violence policy.

Sources told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports that commissioner Rob Manfred was weighing a possible 35-40 game ban for Chapman before the left-hander's legal team negotiated a lesser penalty with the promise he wouldn't appeal the decision. If the suspension had been longer than 45 games, Chapman would not have accumulated the service time required to enter free agency at the end of the season.

"I did get advice, but at the end it was my decision," Chapman told reporters Wednesday through team translator Marlon Abreu, according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. "It's the best decision for me."

Chapman, the first player penalized under the league's new policy, will lose 30 days' pay, but remains eligible to participate fully in spring training. He can return May 9 against Kansas City, at which point he's expected to reclaim the Yankees' closer job from Andrew Miller, according to manager Joe Girardi.

Chapman, a four-time All-Star, had been under investigation by the league after an alleged domestic violence dispute in October. Police didn't file criminal charges against Chapman in the incident, in which he allegedly choked his girlfriend and admittedly fired gunshots into the garage of his Miami residence.

Manfred cited Chapman's use of a firearm as a factor in the decision. On Wednesday, Chapman said he's no longer in possession of guns, and is looking to put the incident behind him.

"I want to make it clear, I'm apologizing because of the use of the gun. It was bad judgment on my part. I also want to say that I never hurt my girlfriend. I want this to be very clear: I'm taking this punishment because of my bad judgment."