Jose Canseco, a former MLB powerhouse turned reality TV personality, has a net worth of $900,000 in 2025. Once one of the highest-paid players in baseball, the Cuban-American athlete’s financial standing has shifted dramatically over the years due to spending habits, legal troubles, and personal setbacks. His story is a cautionary tale of fame, fortune, and fallout.
Let’s dive into the rise, fall, and current life of the man who once helped define the power era of baseball—and why his name still gets attention today.
Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Born July 2, 1964, in Havana, Cuba, José Canseco Capas Jr. is now 60 years old. His family fled Cuba while he and his twin brother Ozzie were still infants, settling in Miami, Florida. Jose attended Miami Coral Park High School, where his early talent in baseball became obvious. He won MVP honors on the junior varsity team and made varsity as a senior before graduating in 1982.
After high school, Canseco was drafted by the Oakland Athletics and spent several seasons in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut on September 2, 1985.
Career Highlights: Records, Fame, and the 40-40 Club
Canseco’s breakout came fast. In 1986, he hit 33 home runs and earned American League Rookie of the Year. By the following year, he was forming the legendary “Bash Brothers” duo with teammate Mark McGwire, known for their home run prowess.
In 1988, Canseco boldly predicted he would hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases—and did exactly that, becoming the first player in MLB history to enter the 40-40 Club. That season also saw the A’s make the World Series, though they lost to the Dodgers.
His aggressive playstyle and powerful swing made him a six-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and four-time Silver Slugger award winner. He also won two AL Home Run titles.
Earnings and Contracts
Over his career, Canseco earned $45 million in MLB salary before taxes and fees. In 1990, he signed a five-year, $23.5 million contract with Oakland—the equivalent of $46 million in today’s dollars. His highest single-season salary came in 1995, when the Boston Red Sox paid him $5.8 million.
However, like many athletes, Canseco spent lavishly and did not prioritize long-term financial planning. In his own words:
“When you make all that money… you’re paying the government 41 percent. That leaves you with about $17 or $18 million. Then you’re taking care of your whole family.”
Post-MLB Life and the 2005 Book Bombshell
After retiring in 2001, Canseco published his explosive memoir “Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big” in 2005. The book openly detailed rampant steroid use in professional baseball, naming several high-profile players. It made headlines and alienated Canseco from much of the baseball community.
The book, while commercially successful, cemented his reputation as a whistleblower and controversial figure.
Reality TV Fame and Barstool Boxing Payday
In the years that followed, Canseco became a regular on reality TV. He competed in shows like The Celebrity Apprentice, The Surreal Life, and various other celebrity events. He also made headlines in the combat sports world.
In February 2021, Canseco earned $1 million for a celebrity boxing match hosted by Barstool Sports, lasting just 12 seconds before it ended. The bout, while criticized, showed how his name still attracted attention—and money.
Financial Troubles and Real Estate Losses
Despite his high earnings, Canseco faced significant financial losses. In 2008, he lost his $2.5 million, 7,300-square-foot mansion in Encino, California, to foreclosure. He admitted in interviews that divorces and legal costs drained millions from his bank account.
He reportedly lived in Las Vegas for much of the last decade. In 2021, he bought a home there for $1.1 million, later listing it in September 2023 for $1.7 million. He re-listed it in March 2024 at $1.6 million. Whether it sold remains unclear, but the home gave fans a glimpse into his current lifestyle with a video tour posted online.
In 2019, he opened Jose Canseco’s Showtime Car Wash in Las Vegas, decorated with memorabilia and throwbacks to his baseball career.
Family Life and Personal Challenges
Jose has been married twice. His first marriage to Esther Haddad ended in 1992. He later married Jessica Sekely, with whom he had his daughter, Josie Canseco. That marriage ended in 2000.
Josie, now in her late 20s, is a successful model and social media personality. She was Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in June 2016 and has been linked romantically to celebrities like Logan Paul.
Canseco has spoken openly about the financial toll of his divorces, stating they cost him between $7 million and $8 million.
Legacy and Public Image
Jose Canseco’s legacy is layered. On one hand, he was a trailblazing slugger, responsible for record-breaking performances and unforgettable seasons. On the other, his admissions about steroid use and continued public antics have made him a divisive figure.
Still, he remains a cult favorite, with a dedicated fan base that embraces his eccentric social media presence, wild stories, and unpredictability.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Jose Canseco’s net worth sits at $900,000, a far cry from the tens of millions he once commanded. His journey from MLB stardom to celebrity boxing and financial reset reflects the volatility that comes with fame and fortune.
Yet Canseco has shown resilience. Whether he’s trading blows in the ring, stirring controversy online, or running a car wash, he continues to reinvent himself. Love him or criticize him, Jose Canseco is one of baseball’s most unforgettable characters—and his story is far from over.
