The Yankees flaunted that constraint with Judge. He didn't like it, but so what, he went out and had the best season of his career.
With Yamamoto, we learned that the Mets offered 12/325 and didn't get a chance to increase. We also learned the Yankees offered 10/300.
For some reason, we get very precise info on certain offers.
With Lester we know that the Red Sox and Cubs had both offered him 6/135 and the Cubs increased it to 6/155.
With Betts, we know about the first offer the Sox made of 8/200, the one Mookie famously discussed with his mother.
With Bogaerts, the report that the Sox offered a one year extension of $30 mill was never disputed by anyone.