Chris Carter has gone from NL home run champion to unemployed.
The New York Yankees said Tuesday they had released the 30-year-old first baseman, who struggled during the first half of the season. Carter hit .201 with eight homers, 26 RBIs and a .284 on-base percentage in 208 plate appearances.
Carter batted .222 for Milwaukee last year and set career bests with 41 homers and 94 RBIs while appearing in a NL-leading 160 games last season. He matched Colorado's Nolan Arenado for most home runs in the NL.
Carter became a free agent in December when Milwaukee failed to offer a 2017 contract, then agreed in February to a $3.5 million deal with the Yankees. He would have earned his first $100,000 performance bonus at 250 plate appearances.
New York designated Carter for assignment on July 4 - the second time this year the Yankees removed him from the 40-man roster - and released him Monday. The Yankees are responsible for paying the rest of his salary; another team can sign him for a prorated share of the $535,000 major league minimum.
