Barry Bonds’ nephew given chance to extend family legacy as Giants rave about ‘incredible’ traits

Jul 12, 2026 - 15:45

The San Francisco Giants selected a very familiar name during Day 1 of the MLB Draft.

Peyton Bonds, nephew of Barry Bonds and grandson of Bobby Bonds, arrived with the 90th pick and some big shoes to fill.

Peyton Bonds of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights swings the bat during an NCAA baseball game at Bainton Field in Piscataway, United States, on March 27, 2026 — The Giants added the next generation of Bonds to their franchise

The 20-year-old, who was selected out of Rutgers University, is larger than both of them were in their playing days, standing at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds.

“Anytime you get a guy named Bonds, you’re crazy if you don’t get excited,” Giants manager Tony Vitello said, via MLB.com.

“I think the physical stature or skill set will stick out to everybody when they take their first look, or probably even in the scouting department.

“But in my limited knowledge, just from watching and a little bit of research, he seems to have incredible instincts for the game, so it will be exciting to see that as well.”

With the selection, Peyton will have the opportunity to continue his family’s legacy in the Bay Area.

Both his father, Bobby Bonds II and Barry played much of their playing careers in San Francisco, with the latter being the all-time home run record holder.

Barry spent 15 of his 22 big league seasons with the Giants, slugging 586 of his 762 career home runs there.

At Rutgers, right-handerPeyton slashed .352/.436/.535 with six home runs in 36 games, with his season being shortened by a hamstring injury.

It’s not just the hitting scouts are raving about, he is an excellent defensive center fielder, predicted by MLB Pipeline to stick there in the big leagues.

“We drafted him because of his ability and what we believe in him,” Giants senior director of amateur scouting Michael Holmes added.

Peyton Bonds #25 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights fields a fly ball during the second inning against the UCLA Bruins at Bainton Field on April 10, 2026 in Piscataway, New Jersey. — Giants manager Tony Vitello is impressed by Bonds’ ‘incredible instincts’

Barry Bonds #25 of the San Francisco Giants launches his 762nd career home run off of Ubaldo Jimenez of the Colorado Rockies in the first inning to give the Giants a 2-0 lead over the Rockies at Coors Field on September 5, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. — Barry hit 586 of his 782 career home runs as a member of the San Francisco Giants

“Just a real unique talent. Super strong, athletic, super high exit velocities off the bat.

“We think there are some things we can do with the swing to help him elevate the baseball a little bit.

“You get an athlete in the middle of the diamond, center field, hits the ball hard, it’s a real good starter kit. He’s a Giant because of Peyton Bonds.”

Bonds became the 12th Scarlet Knight to be drafted in the last five seasons under head coach Steve Owens.

In 2025, San Francisco selected one of Bonds’ teammates, Trevor Cohen in the third round of the draft.

Rejoining forces with Cohen in the minor league system should provide an easier transition as he adjusts to the everyday schedule of professional baseball.

Peyton Bonds #25 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights fields a ground ball during the second inning against the UCLA Bruins at Bainton Field on April 10, 2026 in Piscataway, New Jersey. — Bonds has big shoes to fill

Ultimately, the legendary name on the back of his jersey will come with high expectations. The Giants are treating the pick on his potential, rather than a marketing stunt.

If Bonds can shake off his recent hamstring troubles and unlock his massive raw power, the standard for the next generation of baseball’s most iconic dynasty will be in incredibly secure hands.

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