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Is the result of the current MLB collective bargaining agreement. It normally doesn't apply to posted Japanese players because they're usually over the age of 25. Players under 25 can be signed only using money within an international spending limit set by last season's place in the standings ranging from about 3 million to about 5 million dollars. Players 25 and over are unrestricted free agents and can sign for any amount. Ohtani is being impatient...he wants to play here now rather than waiting two years. And that is capping how much he can take home.