Jose Canseco: The Rise, Fall, And Comeback Of A Baseball Legend

How Much Is Jose Canseco Worth?

Let’s talk about Jose Canseco, the Cuban-American baseball legend whose career was as explosive as his personality. As of today, Jose Canseco has a net worth of $900 thousand. Now, that might not sound like much for a guy who once dominated Major League Baseball, but here’s the thing: injuries slowed him down after his prime, and his post-retirement life has been anything but ordinary. From reality TV to his controversial tell-all book about steroid use in baseball, Jose has always found ways to stay in the spotlight. But don’t let the current numbers fool you—this guy once raked in $45 million during his playing days.

In 1990, Jose signed what was then a massive five-year, $23.5 million contract with the Oakland Athletics. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $46 million in today’s dollars. But here’s the catch: he got traded midway through that deal, first to the Texas Rangers and later to the Boston Red Sox. His peak salary came in 1995 when the Red Sox paid him $5.8 million. Like so many athletes, Jose spent his fortune almost as fast as he earned it. These days, he’s candid about no longer being a millionaire.

When Jose Canseco Stepped Into the Ring

Fast forward to February 2021, and Jose decided to step into the ring—not for baseball, but for a Pay-Per-View celebrity boxing match organized by Barstool Sports. Guess what? He walked away with $1 million for just 12 seconds of work. Talk about making a quick buck! This moment showed that even in his later years, Jose still knows how to draw a crowd and cash in on his celebrity status.

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Jose Canseco on Money: The Honest Truth

“You know my life, this financial thing, is a very complicated issue. Obviously, when you make all that money, people think, 'OK, let's assume it is $35 million.' People have to understand that $35 million, you're paying the government 41 percent. That leaves you with about $17 or $18 million, not even. Then you're taking care of your whole family.”

Jose’s words here speak volumes about the financial realities many athletes face. It’s not just about the big checks; it’s about managing them wisely. Unfortunately, Jose’s journey highlights the pitfalls of spending too freely and not planning for the future.

Growing Up Jose Canseco

Jose Canseco was born José Canseco Capas Jr. on July 2, 1964, in Havana, Cuba. His family fled Cuba when he and his twin brother, Ozzie (who also became a professional baseball player), were still babies. From an early age, Jose showed a passion for baseball. He played for the Miami Coral Park High School team and made varsity during his senior year. Even as a junior, playing on the junior varsity team, he earned MVP honors—a sign of things to come. By the time he graduated in 1982, Jose was already setting his sights on a career in professional baseball.

The Making of a Baseball Icon

Jose’s journey to the big leagues began in 1982 when the Oakland A's drafted him into the minor leagues. His professional debut happened with the Miami Marlins in the Florida State League, and he spent a few years honing his skills in the minors. Finally, on September 2, 1985, Jose made his Major League debut with the Oakland Athletics. The next season, he exploded onto the scene, earning the American League Rookie of the Year award with 33 home runs and 117 RBIs. It was during this time that he teamed up with fellow power hitter Mark McGwire, forming the legendary duo known as "the Bash Brothers."

In 1988, Jose set the baseball world on fire by guaranteeing he’d hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the upcoming season. Spoiler alert: he did it! He hit exactly 40 stolen bases and smashed 42 home runs, becoming the first player ever to achieve this milestone. This incredible feat earned him a spot in what’s now known as "the 40-40 club." That same year, Jose and the Athletics reached the World Series, though they ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Jose’s career wasn’t without its ups and downs. In 1992, he was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he had some memorable moments—like the infamous fly ball that bounced off his cap and turned into a home run for the opposing team. But he bounced back strong, hitting 31 home runs in 1994 before joining the Boston Red Sox in 1995. After stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Jose made his final MLB appearance in 2001, 16 years after his debut. By the end of his career, he had earned six All-Star selections, two AL home run titles, four Silver Slugger awards, and two World Series championships.

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Life After Baseball: The Second Act

After hanging up his cleats, Jose wrote a book that shook the sports world. In 2005, he published "Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big," where he exposed rampant steroid use in the MLB during the '80s and '90s. Needless to say, this didn’t win him any friends in the baseball community, and he became a polarizing figure.

But Jose didn’t let controversy slow him down. He appeared on shows like "The Celebrity Apprentice" and "The Surreal Life," proving he could hold his own in the entertainment world. He’s also dabbled in celebrity boxing, mixed martial arts, and even writing columns for "Vice" magazine. In 2019, he opened a car wash in Las Vegas called Jose Canseco's Showtime Car Wash, complete with memorabilia from his glory days. Talk about staying relevant!

The Man Behind the Mask

Jose’s personal life has been just as eventful as his career. He’s been married twice—first to Esther Haddad (they divorced in 1992) and later to Jessica Sekely (that marriage ended in 2000). He shares a daughter, Josie Canseco, with Jessica. Josie, by the way, is a model and social media sensation who became "Playboy" Playmate of the Month in June 2016. She’s also been linked to celebrities like Logan Paul.

Jose has been open about the financial toll his divorces took on him, telling "Inside Edition" in 2008 that they cost him between $7 million and $8 million. That, combined with poor financial planning, contributed to his struggles later in life.

Real Estate Rollercoaster

Jose’s financial challenges have been reflected in his real estate dealings. In 2008, he lost a $2.5 million mansion in Encino to foreclosure. By 2015, he was living in Las Vegas and even hosted a Twitter sweepstakes offering fans a chance to visit his home. Whether that actually happened remains unclear. In 2021, Jose bought a home in Las Vegas for $1.1 million, listing it for sale at $1.7 million in 2023. When that didn’t sell, he re-listed it for $1.6 million in March 2024. If you’re curious, here’s a video tour: