SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — The comparison immediately grabs the attention. That’s what comes with being referred to as the “JUCO Barry Bonds.”
Bo Davidson’s career trajectory has been atypical. He began his collegiate career at Guilford Tech in Jamestown, N.C., took a year-and-a-half off from the game due to a family matter, then transferred to Caldwell Community College in Hudson, N.C.
Davidson didn’t hear his name called in the 2023 MLB draft but signed with the Giants. Four years into his professional career and Davidson has elevated to the No. 3 prospect in the Giants’ system, per Baseball America. In Scottsdale, he’s soaking up his first big-league spring training.
The 23-year-old Davidson will likely start his season with Double-A Richmond. Depending on how the next several months unfold, his season could end in San Francisco.
“The goal is always to get a promotion to each affiliate. You take that affiliate and go step-by-step,” Davidson said. “But the end goal, that’s for sure to get to Oracle. … I also just (want) to keep being me — playing, take it day-by-day, being where my feet are at.”
Davidson didn’t think his baseball career was over after a monster season at Caldwell, one where he slashed .412/.508/.876 with 16 homers over 38 games. He still had another season of eligibility, and returning to school was a viable option.
Shortly after the draft, Davidson was driving back from a mall when he received a call from Paul Faulk, who had worked as a part-time scout for San Francisco. The Giants wanted to sign him, and for Davidson, the decision was a “no-brainer.” Davidson had multiple teams interested in him, but the Giants were there from the beginning and were the most consistent.
“He’s a player that’s had to fight for everything that he’s gotten,” said vice president of player development Randy Winn. “As an undrafted player without a whole lot of hype, he’s just went out and produced and played.”
Davidson may not have had a ton of hype when he signed with San Francisco for $50,000, but he’s done his part to create it.
In 2024, Davidson slashed .328/.438/.608 with nine homers and six steals over 53 games for Single-A San Jose, being named second-half team MVP. Davidson started ‘25 with High-A Eugene and didn’t miss a beat, hitting .309/.412/.507 with 10 homers and 12 steals before being promoted to Richmond.
Davidson was challenged by Double-A Eastern League pitching, hitting .234 with a .713 OPS with eight homers and seven steals over 42 games. Still, by weighted runs created plus (wRC+), Davidson was 10 percent better than a league-average player. This season, he’ll get another crack at dominating that level as Richmond opens up the brand-new CarMax Park.
“Every level he’s been challenged at, he’s been a plus offensive player and did it the right way,” said senior director of player development Kyle Haines. “It’s not a mistake. He’s not chasing. He’s not swinging and missing. The under-the-hood metrics are going to say that this guy will hit in the big leagues if he continues with the approach that he’s had.”
Davidson’s allure as a prospect only begins with his combination of power and speed. Davidson played all three outfield positions in 2024 but exclusively played center field in ’25. Haines and Winn raved about Davidson’s defense, and Davidson will continue playing center field this season.
One of the big questions with Davidson going forward is whether he’ll stick in center field as he matures or whether he’ll transition to a corner down the road. If he remains in center long-term, his value as a player substantially increases when combined with his offensive upside.
“He’s a big dude. He’s a strong guy. He’s 230 pounds of muscle,” Haines said. “So, you get somebody that can have that kind of impact bat in center, that’s a lineup changer because so many middle-of-the-diamond players usually are defense first, and then they hit at the bottom of the order. Some of the good teams, they have those middle-of-the-diamond hitters who can hit in the first five spots of the order. So, you hope that he stays in center.”
For manager Tony Vitello, one of the traits that has stuck out to him about Davidson is his “natural self-confidence.” Vitello hasn’t gotten to know Davidson as much as other Giants since Davidson is still a minor leaguer, but the rookie manager believes the outfielder is destined for the majors and sees “a lot of potential there.”
“(Confidence) has just always been there,” Davidson said. “It comes from the Lord himself, honestly. I just let my faith be bigger than my fear.”
“I’m willing to bet he’s got the trait like a good defensive back,” Vitello said. “You may get burned on one play, but the next play you feel like you’re the best defensive back in the league. That’s what you have to do, have that short memory. I think he naturally has some of those things.”
Davidson didn’t play defensive back during his time at South Mecklenburg High School, but he did play some quarterback. And as a senior, Davidson faced off against Drake Maye and Myers Park High School, which was ranked No. 1 in the state at the time.
Maye, who led the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance, completed all 13 of his passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. Davidson, by contrast, went 6-for-19 with 56 passing yards. Myers Park easily handled South Mecklenburg, cruising to a 47-0 win. On the hardwood and diamond, Davidson recalls more favorable results.
“Basketball and baseball, they know the vibes,” Davidson said. “You can go ask them. I ain’t even have to say too much. They already know the vibes.”
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While Davidson can’t wait for his next opportunity to record a Splash Hit, his sights are set on something even more daring.
“I don’t really look to McCovey Cove,” Davidson said. “I feel like it’s more impressive if I hit that Coca-Cola bottle.”
By the end of the regular season, Davidson might just get that chance.
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