Yankees release Chris Gittens ahead of big Luke Voit decision

As the Yankees near MLB’s Tuesday night deadline to tender offers for arbitration-eligible players, they have just one first baseman on their 40-man roster: Luke Voit.

And they’ll have to decide whether to offer Luke Voit a new contract or release him.

The lack of depth at the position is a result, also, of the release of Chris Gittens on Monday night.

General manager Brian Cashman has pointed to first base as an area of need, in addition to shortstop and potentially catcher and center field. That’s especially true with the loss of Gittens, who was at least a depth piece at the spot.

The 27-year-old Gittens hit well in the minors, but struggled in his brief time with the Yankees in 2021, going 4-for-36 with a homer, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts.

Anthony Rizzo is a free agent after playing well in The Bronx following his trade from the Cubs. Freddie Freeman remains unsigned following his World Series run in Atlanta.