On Thursday, 19th September, Oakland Athletics legend Jose Canseco talked highly about Shohei Ohtani's stellar 2024 season and felt Aaron Judge could go toe-to-toe with the Japanese international. Shohei Ohtani became the first Major League Baseball (MLB) player to script history after reaching 50-50 season, as he secured three home runs and two stolen bases in his team's victory against the Miami Marlins.
Many personal awards won by Jose Canseco
Former Oakland Athletics star Jose Canseco spent 17 years in the big leagues and had a decorated plus controversial career. He won many awards including six-time All-Star, two-time World Series winner, four-time Silver Slugger award winner, AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP awards.
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First player ever to record 40-40 season: Jose Canseco
The outfielder was the first player to record a 40-40 season in 1988 with 42 homers and 40 stolen bases. Talking to Sportsnet, Jose talked highly about Aaron Judge and how he could become a better player if the New York Yankees allowed him to.
What did Jose had to say about Aaron Judge?
"People don’t know this about Aaron Judge but he’s extremely fast. He could be in the 50-50 club easily. But he’s got a huge contract, they don't want him hurt, so he doesn’t steal bases. He’s 6-foot-7, 280 pounds, but could Aaron Judge in today's structure steal 50? Easily." Jose said.
"That’s a given. For me, Aaron Judge could easily do a 50-50 back-to-back-to-back-to-back years. But of course, they’re not letting him run because they are protecting him," Jose concluded.
Nine-year $360 million contract for Aaron Judge
Jose gave an idea to the Yankees that their captain, Judge should refrain from stealing bases to prevent any injury. New York Yankees signed him on a nine-year $360 million contract in 2020 which is $40 million per year. Understandably, the New York Yankees would do anything in their power to ensure their right-fielder stays fit all season long.
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