Free agent catcher Henry Blanco is close to signing a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to a source close to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Gilbert says the deal is believed to be worth around $1 million and may include a mutual option for 2012.

Leonard Ojeda of Diario Meridiano recently reported that Blanco could reach an agreement with the Diamondbacks soon.

“Although there’s nothing official, I think that by the beginning of next week the transaction will be official,” said Blanco. “I’m happy because I would be with fellow country man Gerardo Parra and Melvin Mora. I think it’s going to be a very good year, and I expect to get far away because that’s what you look for; to play good baseball.”

The 39-year old Venezuelan played with the New York Mets last season, where he hit .215/.271/.300 with 2 HR and 8 RBI’s. The Diamondbacks are in a market for an experienced catcher to backup Miguel Montero.