​All in the family: Giants draft Barry Bonds’ nephew, Peyton, in the third round originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The San Francisco Giants expanded their family legacy on Saturday with a new addition to the Bonds lineage. By selecting Peyton Bonds in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft, the organization welcomed the third member of the Bonds clan into the franchise. The younger Bonds, age 20, was chosen with the No. 90 overall pick and has plenty of room to grow. He is the nephew of Barry Bonds, the all-time home run champion who spent 15 of his 22 MLB seasons with the Giants (1993–2007), and the grandson of Bobby Bonds, who played seven of his 14 seasons with the organization (1968–74). Peyton’s father, Bobby Bonds Jr., spent 11 seasons in the minor leagues.
Peyton Bonds stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 230 pounds. He began his college career at Campbell University in 2024 before transferring to Rutgers’ Scarlet Knights program. Giants manager Tony Vitello spoke highly of the prospect, saying, “Anytime you get a guy named Bonds, you’re crazy if you don’t get excited.” He noted that the player’s physical stature and skill set stand out on first glance and that, even with limited knowledge, his instincts for the game appear exceptional, making it exciting to watch how that translates as he progresses.
A right-handed hitter, Bonds appeared in 36 games for the Big Ten program, posting a .352 batting average, .436 on-base percentage, and .535 slugging percentage, with six home runs, 29 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His season was cut short by an April hamstring injury. Known for his defensive prowess, Bonds is expected to begin his professional career as a center fielder with strong arm strength. His 12.7 percent strikeout rate could pave the way for high in-zone contact skills as he advances.
“We drafted him because of his ability and what we believe in him,” Giants’ senior director of amateur scouting Michael Holmes said. “Just a real unique talent—super strong, athletic, with super high exit velocities off the bat.” The Bonds name, for better or worse, carries a narrative that intertwines legacy with potential as Peyton embarks on his professional journey, drawing attention from fans who remember his uncle and grandfather’s impact on the franchise.
As the draft coverage continues, comparisons to family heritage may persist, but the focus remains on Peyton’s own path and the contributions he can make to the Giants’ lineup. The team views this selection as a continued investment in a storied lineage, hoping that Peyton’s performance will echo the success of Bonds family members who paved the way in Giants history.