By coming to Japan and signing with the Hiroshima Carp, Jason Pridie hopes to have found the one thing he's searched for throughout his career: an opportunity.

Pridie, currently preparing for his first year in NPB, spent time on a major league roster in seven of the last eight years. But each of those stints amounted to little more than a cup of coffee. The exception was in 2011, when he appeared in 101 games for the New York Mets.

"That was real frustrating," Pridie told The Japan Times. "You never think that's going to happen. I'm not the only story, there are so many guys. I'm fortunate enough to be able to get this opportunity in Japan. I know some guys back home who have never gotten this opportunity to come and continue their career or play at this level."