Alex Rodriguez could have accepted a suspension lighter than his 211-game sentence from Major League Baseball, according to sources.

Rodriguez had settlement discussions with baseball, with a 50-game suspension proposed at one point in April. However, Rodriguez wanted to fight the league's findings in the Biogenesis investigation and refused an agreement.

A source denies that Major League Baseball offered a 50-game suspension, claiming Rodriguez pushed for the sentence. Regardless, Rodriguez could have avoided the 211-game suspension he is currently appealing.

"At different points, it could have been way, way less than where it is now," one source said.