The new CBA no longer allows "blowing by" the limit. It's extremely strict until the IFA is 25 - then it simply goes away. Otani is treated no differently than, say, Jair Candelario - he must sign under the bonus limit or wait 'til he's 25. That evens the playing field considerably; then all the teams that are under restriction are as of now ineligible to sign him until their penalty time, carried over per the CBA, is up. I believe both the Yankees and Red Sox are restricted right now, as well as the Dodgers. AND, it all hinges on making him comfortable you WILL give him the big paycheck when the time comes. I think Seattle has a good chance.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/06/shohei-otani-rumors.html
https://sports.yahoo.com/mystery-shohei-otani-whether-hell-leave-200m-ta...