When you think San Francisco Giants the names that immediately come to mind are MLBbros Barry Bonds, Willie “Say Hey Kid” Mays and Bobby Bonds Sr.

Rookie Peyton Bonds is keeping with the family tradition as a member of the Giants.

The 21-year-old outfielder out of Rutgers who was drafted in the third round of this year’s draft is super excited for the opportunity to showcase his unique skill set that drew the attention of Giants team brass. During a recent interview Bonds told reporters this about the opportunity to play in the footsteps of his uncle, grandfather and father.

“I love it,” Peyton said. “It’s a blessing having the family bloodline in this organization and being able to continue that. It’s really cool.”

Bonds Got Here On His Own Merit

Despite carrying the legendary last name, Bonds talent has long stood out and according to Giants brass that’s why he’s in the Bay Area. During his junior season T Rutgers which was cut short by a nagging hamstring injury, Bonds proved that his game was something serious.

He slashed .352/.436/.535 with six home runs and 13 stolen bases over 36 games, putting him on the radar as a future piece that comes from great lineage. The Giants had been keeping tabs on the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Bonds for a while, as they got plenty of extra looks at him while scouting his Rutgers teammate Trevor Cohen (San Francisco’s per MLB Pipeline), whom they took in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft.

Peyton Embarking On Own Journey

“The biggest thing they always remind me is I’ve got my own path to create,” said Peyton, who is currently playing for Single-A San Jose. “It’s not going to look the same as my uncle’s, my grandfather’s, my dad’s. What they’ve done for me is amazing. I’m super grateful to have them as family, and there’s a lot to learn from them. But at the same time, I go about my business.

“I’m Peyton Bonds, and I’m my own person.”

While the Giants, of all teams, were the ones to select Bonds, he showcased enough talent to be drafted regardless of the name on his jersey.

Giants Took Bonds In Third Round

Ever since  the Giants selected Bonds with the 90th overall pick, senior director of amateur scouting Michael Holmes has been adamant that the team didn’t draft Peyton for his last name but for his talent.

“He’s a Giant because of Peyton Bonds,” Holmes said.

“The biggest thing that comes to mind is just a blessing,” Bonds said. “Being picked by this team and getting an opportunity to come play baseball at the next level has been a dream since I was a little kid. And then obviously, having some family bloodline in the org as well was definitely a big plus, too.”

“We drafted him because of his ability and what we believe in him,” Holmes said. “(He’s) just a really unique talent. Super strong, athletic, super high exit velocities off the bat. We think there’s 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 kid.”

Bonds Currently Single-A Affiliate

After signing his deal in July 2026, he made his professional debut in the Low-A/Single-A ranks before being placed on the development list in late August.

He’s currently a member of the San Jose Giants the club’s Single-A affiliate.