Barry Bonds’ bloodline lives on with Giants after drafting nephew Peyton

SAN FRANCISCO — There’s a new Bonds around these parts.

The name’s Peyton. Peyton Bonds.

Tony Vitello was still years away from guiding Tennessee to a national title, let alone managing in the dugout Barry used to occupy, when the most famous Bonds played his last game in 2007.

But the name needs no introduction.

“Anytime you get a guy named Bonds,” Vitello said, “you’re crazy if you don’t get excited.”

The last name is no coincidence. Barry Bonds’ bloodline will live on in the same organization he became baseball’s most-feared slugger and the all-time home run king.

His nephew, the son of his brother Bobby Jr., has made the most of his genes and developed into an outfield prospect that merited the 90th overall selection in Saturday’s amateur draft.

And it was none other than the Giants who called his name.

The 6-foot-5 center fielder, who bats right-handed, was the only position player selected by the Giants out of the five picks they made on the first day of the draft.

“I think the physical stature and skillset will stick out to everybody,” Vitello said, though his only exposure so far has been from a few videos. “In my limited knowledge, just from watching a little bit, he seems to have incredible instincts for the game. So it will be exciting to see that as well.”

It’s no mystery the source of those instincts and natural ability, coming from a family that has put one member into the record books, another into the big leagues and even more into pro ball.

Peyton will attempt to become the third generation of Bonds boys to reach the big leagues, following in the footsteps of Barry and his grandfather, Bobby. Peyton’s dad was drafted, too, and climbed the ranks of the Giants’ farm system but topped out at Triple-A in 1998.

The family connection wasn’t what put Peyton onto the Giants’ radar, though.

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“We drafted him because of his ability and what we believe in him,” amateur scouting director Michael Holmes said. “He’s a Giant because of Peyton Bonds.”

Barry, actually, has no current formal relationship with the organization. The fearsome lefty had been a regular around the batting cage up until last year, but his appearance on the set of Netflix’s Opening Night broadcast was the only time he has stepped foot in the park this year.

Bonds had a contract with the organization as a special advisor, akin to other franchise legends, but it lapsed after last season and hasn’t been renewed. It remains to be seen if the prospect of his nephew wearing black and orange rekindles the relationship.

Holmes said Peyton Bonds had been on their radar since last spring, when the Giants drafted his Rutgers teammate and fellow outfielder Trevor Cohen with their second pick.

In 36 games as a junior this past season, Bonds hit .352 with a .535 slugging percentage. His on-base percentage — .436 — would put him right in line with his uncle’s career figure (.444).

If Peyton makes it to Oracle Park, he’ll have a daily reminder of Barry’s most notable career number — 762, displayed out in right field with the franchise’s other three all-time home run leaders, including Barry’s godfather, Willie Mays.

Holmes called him a “real unique talent.” Only six of his hits went over the fence, but the Giants believe his exit velocities will allow him to access more power with some mechanical tweaks.

“You get an athlete in the middle of the diamond, center field, hits the ball hard,” Holmes said. “It’s a real good starter kit.”