MLB Free Agents 2012: 5 Players Arizona Diamondbacks Should Target

The Arizona Diamondbacks shocked the baseball world by winning the NL West in 2011. The team reversed its fortune by winning 94 games a year after losing 97. The Diamondbacks are set up well with youth and all-around talent but need to make a few key offseason moves to ensure success in 2012.

First, the Diamondbacks will look to re-sign and renegotiate with a few existing members. Next, the D-Backs will look to patch up some holes along the infield. 

This team can easily build on its 2011 success with the players it currently has. The Diamondbacks may win 105 games with their young stable of premier pitchers and an explosive offense. The upcoming version of the Diamondbacks will have a chance to win every night. 

While the games have yet to be played, the D-Backs will contend once again in 2012. Here are five players the D-Backs should target this offseason.

No. 5: Aaron Hill Is a Must

Aaron Hill was a critical piece to the Diamondbacks' playoff puzzle last season. Hill was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays on August 23. He hit .315 for the D-Backs in 33 games, tallying 12 doubles and 16 RBI with the team.

The Diamondbacks have the option to pick up Hill's $8 million contract but will look to restructure.

Given that Hill had success in Arizona, he should stay. He's a big bat and a solid second baseman. He's the linchpin in the D-Backs' plans this offseason. With the certainty of his return, the D-Backs would be considered a contender.

No. 4: Utility Infielder John McDonald Would Be Nice

The Diamondbacks should re-sign John McDonald this offseason. McDonald came over to the club from the Toronto Blue Jays in the same deal that sent Aaron Hill to the desert. McDonald is a seasoned veteran who has the ability to defend at multiple positions, which is something every team needs. 

Seeing that his contract was only $1.5 million in 2011, the Diamondbacks should be able to get him for cheap.

The Diamondbacks should keep McDonald for 2012.

No. 3: Ross Gload Is What the Diamondbacks Need

Ross Gload is a great candidate to become the backup first baseman for the Diamondbacks in 2012. Gload, a left-handed batter, would fit in nicely behind up-and-coming star Paul Goldschmidt.

Gload is a 10-year veteran with a .281 career average.

The D-Backs are in need of a backup, left-handed first baseman, and Gload should be their man.

No. 2: Jorge Cantu Could Be a Steal

Jorge Cantu is one of those players that would love to resurrect his career with the Diamondbacks. Cantu can play first, second and third base and has a .271 career average.

After playing for, and being designated for assignment by, the San Diego Padres in 2011, Cantu would love to prove his critics wrong. Signing with the Diamondbacks would allow him to show the Padres that they made a mistake by releasing him.

The Diamondbacks would get a 29-year-old utility man that could play every day if need be. The price would be just right at around $1 million.

No. 1: Johnny Damon Would Be Huge

Johnny Damon is a proven winner and a spark plug for any clubhouse. His infectious smile and upbeat attitude would fit in nicely in Arizona. His experience would be perfect for this young ballclub.

While it's true that the Diamondbacks have a solid outfield, a veteran of Damon's stature never hurts. He also has the ability to steal bases, which D-Backs manager Kirk Gibson loves. Damon stole 19 bases last year for the Tampa Bay Rays while batting .261 and knocking in 73 RBI.

He made $5.25 million last season and will be 38 years old at the start of 2012. As age goes up, price goes down, and the Diamondbacks may be able to swipe Damon for somewhere around $4 million.