MLB Free Agency: Jonathan Broxton and 5 Players You Shouldn't Overlook

MLB Free Agency is in full-swing and these players shouldn't be overlooked. Although they may have struggled in 2011, they're due for an upswing in productivity in 2012. 

These players can give any team an added dimension they once lacked and make them a playoff contender all by themselves. Whether it's an intimidating presence on the mound or prowess at the plate, these men can get it done.

They'll be playing with a chip on their shoulder this season because they've all been written off as a "has been," making them that much more dangerous.

Here are the MLB free agents that shouldn't be overlooked. 

No. 5: Joe Nathan

Joe Nathan was one of the best closers in baseball before he had Tommy John surgery in early 2010. 

He managed to return to the mound this season for the injury-plagued Minnesota Twins and saved a modest 14 games. The Twins were unsure on whether or not Nathan was their closer in 2011 as he bounced back and forth between the set-up and closer roles in 48 appearances.

Nathan wants to be the go-to closer for a team in 2012. While the Twins are in need of a closer, Nathan wants to win and the Twins are in more of a rebuilding mode. 

Wherever Nathan lands, he'll make a difference for the club. He had 35-plus saves in six consecutive seasons from 2004-2009. Fans can expect those numbers again from Nathan in 2012. 

No. 4: Juan Pierre

Juan Pierre will be a great pickup for any team in need of speed. 

Pierre is in the upper echelon of MLB base stealers and he's currently on the market. Pierre did have a bit of a down year in 2011, where he only stole only 27 bases. Compared to his 68 stolen bases in 2010, teams may be wondering if he's out of gas. This makes him a real steal for any club willing to take a chance on him. 

With Pierre on base, the opposition has to adjust their strategy. At 34 years old, he should come at a discount.

Don't be surprised to see Pierre follow former manager Ozzie Guillen to the Miami Marlins. After all, Pierre won the World Series for the Marlins in 2003. 

No. 3: Grady Sizemore

Sure, Grady Sizemore has been prone to injuries in his career, but he's only 29. Sizemore has only played in 104 games the last two seasons but is still worth a roll of the dice.

In 2011, Sizemore played in 71 games and amassed 60 hits. 32 of those hits were for extra bases—21 doubles, one triple and 10 homers. These numbers are enough for a GM to take a chance on him. 

Sizemore is also a Gold Glove caliber outfielder. He's won the award twice and given his health, he may be able to do it again. 

Expect Sizemore to go to a small market team that's looking to improve from 2011, but don't be shocked to see him go to a contender for less money and a chance to win. He's worth the risk.

No. 2: Roy Oswalt

Roy Oswalt was somewhat the forgotten member of the Philadelphia Phillies' rotation in 2011.

Oswalt battled a sore back and finished the year 9-10. His 2011 season will be most remembered for a run-in with a squirrel in the NLDS versus the St. Louis Cardinals. With the emergence of Vance Worley in the Phillies rotation, Oswalt won't return to Philadelphia next season. 

Now 33 years old, Oswalt has hit the market and shouldn't be overlooked. He made $16 million in 2011, but should be available for significantly less next season.

Despite a down year in 2011, Oswalt is one of the best pitchers on the market. He'll be good for 30-plus starts and 200 innings pitched in 2012. Don't forget, he's an ace.

No. 1: Jonathan Broxton

Jonathan Broxton is a reliever with plenty of questions hanging over his head heading into the winter months. 

Broxton underwent elbow surgery in September to remove a bone spur. Before being tormented by lingering injuries in 2011, Broxton emerged as one the games best closers. He only pitched in 14 games in 2011 and has since been replaced by Los Angeles Dodgers' rookie Javy Guerra. 

Albeit injured, Broxton hits the market with plenty of upside. He'll be cheap, so teams will be willing to take a chance on the former All-Star. If he doesn't produce, he's not a big loss. If he succeeds, the GM looks like a genius for signing the 27-year-old right handed hurler. 

Expect Broxton to sign with a contender and pay dividends in 2012.