Jorge Posada Free Agency: 5 Teams That Will Come Calling for NY Yankees Legend

For the past 17 years, Jorge Posada has worn a New York Yankees jersey.

Now, that part of his career is over. Newsday writer Erik Boland has reported that Posada will not be back with the Yankees.

Posada's career is not over yet, as a number of teams have contacted him. It will be interesting to see where Posada signs for next season, and it will be odd seeing him wearing something other than pinstripes.

At this point in his career, Posada is not much more than a backup catcher or a DH, but he can certainly still contribute.

The following teams could consider Posada a viable option to improve their roster.

Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics are already set at catcher with Kurt Suzuki, but that does not mean that Jorge Posada does not fit in Oakland.

Posada would be a good backup catcher for the Athletics, and he could also play DH.

This will not be the first time in recent years that the Athletics have signed a former star catcher whose career is on its last legs.

In 2007, Mike Piazza played the final season of his career with the Athletics. It could be the same thing for Jorge Posada in 2012.

Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay struggled to find a solid starting catcher in 2011.

Kelly Shoppach and John Jaso split the time at catcher, and neither batted higher than .224 during the year.

Jorge Posada could come to the Rays and would have a chance to play on a fairly regular basis.

In addition to serving as the Rays' part-time starter at catcher, Posada could also get a number of at-bats as a DH.

The Rays have shown that they are not afraid to go after aging players after signing Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon, and Posada could be a good fit for them.

Baltimore Orioles

Matt Wieters will be the Baltimore Orioles starting catcher for the next few years, but the team does not have a solid backup for him.

Jorge Posada would be a good choice for the Orioles, because in addition to his contributions on the field, he could mentor the young catcher.

In addition to this, the Orioles also lost their starting DH from the 2011 season, Vladimir Guerrero, to free agency.

There is room for Posada to fill in the DH slot in Baltimore, even if only as part of a platoon.

Houston Astros

As a National League team, the Houston Astros may not be an ideal destination for Jorge Posada.

The Astros will also be rebuilding next year, so Posada would need to be okay with playing for a team that will not be a playoff contender.

Houston does not have any good internal options at catcher, and Posada may even be able to get a starting role with the team.

He could also spell Brett Wallace at first base. Since the Astros will be a young team in 2012, Posada's veteran leadership could be valuable.

Minnesota Twins

When Joe Mauer went down with a knee injury, Drew Butera did not serve as a good replacement.

Mauer will be back in 2012, but he still has leg issues that will mean he will certainly need days off.

The Minnesota Twins can find a good backup in Jorge Posada.

Posada will likely only cost $1-2 million a year, so he will not make a big impact on the Twins' payroll.

Minnesota lost their 2011 DH when Jim Thome signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, which means that Posada could also see some at-bats from the DH spot as well.