When you’re the nephew of Barry Bonds hitting homers is in the genes. After all, Barry is MLB’s all-time home run king with 762 and his dad, Bobby Bonds, was Mr. 30-30 with 332 career bro bombs and 461 stolen bases.

But, what Peyton Bonds is doing at the plate at Rutgers and throughout his collegiate career is downright ridiculous. The junior outfielder has been one of the most consistent sluggers in all of college baseball, and despite that he still isn’t getting the respect he deserves.

A lot of that has to do with the Scarlet Knights not being very good, but fortunately for Bonds, his play has still garnered the attention of MLB scouts.

Peyton Bonds Is Tattooing The Baseball

Following a stellar high school career that saw him hit .429 at Franklin High in New Jersey the slugger was ranked No.45 in the Garden State. That helped him earn a full athletic scholarship to Campbell University.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound outfielder earned All-Rookie honors in the CAA in 2024. Bonds started 36 games as a true freshman, slashing .267/.341/.427 with five home runs, seven doubles and one triple.

After his lone season at Campbell, Peyton entered the portal where he found a home just miles away with the Scarlet Knights. His arrival in Piscataway didn’t disappoint as he continued to display that Bonds power that’s become synonymous with the sport. He hit .300 with 40 RBIs, 10 doubles, five home runs and two triples with 16 stolen bases in 57 games as a true sophomore.

Peyton Has Elite Athletic Genes

Blessed with the Bonds genes as the son of Bobby Bonds II and grandson of three-time MLB All-Star Bobby Bonds Sr., Peyton also carries a special trait of Uncle Barry, the greatest homerun hitter the sport has ever witnessed.

That name and talent has made him a MLB prospect that has clubs taking notice.

Fans Chime In On Bonds Rise 

Bonds play this season has been just as good, as April 1, 2026 he’s hitting .398 with 8 2B, 6 HR, 27 RBI and a 9-for-10 stolen base mark. That includes a 120.7 mph on double … “the hardest-hit ball on a TrackMan radar in recent memory.”

He’s the real deal, and fans had plenty to say via social media about his play.

“Been hanging with his uncle too much,” a fan said. 

“Channeling unc out there,” another fan mentioned. 

“I want him drug tested IMMEDIATELY,” another fan said.

“I’ve seen him live – ball explodes off his bat! As impressive of an athlete you’ll see on a baseball field,” another fan quipped. 

It’s safe to say if Peyton continues on this trajectory, he could be the next Bonds family member to make noise in the majors.