As Dodgers try to plan for 2016, the issue of player character arises

As the Dodgers continue to look to offset the potentially crushing loss of Zack Greinke, they have encountered unexpected obstacles that are threatening to shape their off-season.

A TMZ report that Yasiel Puig was involved in a physical altercation with his sister last month has decreased his already depressed trade value, minimizing the opportunities the Dodgers will have to swap him for a high-end pitcher. Now, allegations that Aroldis Chapman choked and pushed his girlfriend in October have significantly diminished the chances of their acquiring the All-Star closer from the Cincinnati Reds.

Both players are under investigation by the commissioner’s office under baseball’s new domestic violence policy. Both could have a significant impact on the Dodgers’ plans this winter.

The revelations about the alleged incident involving Chapman, who was reported to have told police that he fired eight gunshots while he was alone in his garage, have already resulted in a change of course for the Dodgers. Until learning of the allegations, the Dodgers were prepared to send prospects to the Reds in exchange for Chapman.

Depending on what the commissioner’s office finds, the Dodgers could later revisit the proposed deal. But that appears unlikely, according to people familiar with the team’s thinking who spoke under the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.

The Dodgers declined to comment on Chapman, who wasn’t arrested or charged with a crime.

Speaking in general terms and not about Chapman specifically, Dodgers President Stan Kasten said the franchise considers a player’s off-the-field behavior when deciding whether to acquire him.

Trading for a player with a problematic history could send an undesirable message to fans about the organization’s values.

But what’s acceptable and unacceptable?

“I think it’s on a case-by-case basis,” Kasten said.

Andrew Friedman, the team’s president of baseball operations, had similar thoughts.

“We’re fortunate to have such a large fan base with very different backgrounds and interests,” Friedman said. “It’s hard to speak on behalf of all of them. Obviously, something that would speak to all of them would be something that would be a pretty significant deal and something we would be mindful of.”

While the Dodgers are taking a wait-and-see approach with Chapman, his former manager said he would welcome him on his new team.

Dusty Baker, who is now the manager of the Washington Nationals, called Chapman “a heck of a guy.”

“I mean a heck of a guy,” Baker said again for emphasis. “I’ll go on record and say I wouldn’t mind having Chapman.”

Baker’s thinking wasn’t influenced by a Yahoo Sports report detailing the allegations against Chapman.

“I don’t believe reports,” Baker said. “Who knows why? I’m not one to judge on how the whole thing happened.”

But there now are other considerations.

Under the new domestic violence policy, Commissioner Rob Manfred has the power to suspend players or place them on paid administrative leave for as many as seven games while they are under investigation. Though players can appeal their suspensions, there is no minimum or maximum length for penalties. Players don’t have to be convicted of, or plead guilty to, a crime to be punished.

Without an established precedent, the Dodgers have no idea how long Chapman could be suspended — that is, if he is suspended at all.

As a result, the Dodgers have already started to pursue alternative trade targets, with multiple reports indicating they are interested in right-hander Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins, a former rookie of the year.

Some of these potential deals could require Friedman to do something he has resisted doing so far: trade his high-end prospects.

Friedman indicated no prospect is untouchable, not even the Dodgers’ consensus No. 1 pitcher in the minor leagues, 19-year-old left-hander Julio Urias.

“I think the thing that we pride ourselves on is not having any hard and fast rules,” Friedman said. “We’re open-minded to having different conversations.”

Follow Dylan Hernandez on Twitter @dylanohernandez