Righetti became a free agent after the 1987 season. Amid rumors that Righetti would sign a three-year contract worth $20 million with the Tokyo Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball, Righetti's agent acknowledged that the Giants did make Righetti an offer, but stated that the value was considerably less than what was reported, and stated that Righetti would continue to pitch in MLB. The contract offer was later estimated at $10 million. Righetti chose to re-sign with the Yankees, signing a three-year contract worth $4.5 million.