By early 1985, López stated his intentions to enter free agency after the season. He placed his Detroit home up for sale, but appeared to soften when Detroit opened to the possibility of new contract negotiations. He said that he wanted to pitch another year or two and then enter the fast food business in Detroit. In late May, the Associated Press reported that López and Detroit reached a "gentleman's agreement" which would allow the pitcher to finish his career in Detroit, though no contract was signed. López finished the 1985 season with a 3–7 record and five saves. The Tigers made López a free agent in November of that year. He temporarily retired again in early 1986 before signing with the Houston Astros.