Barry Bonds reveals how close Yankees were to signing him

During an appearance on the “KayRod Cast,” Barry Bonds talked about how close he was to signing with the New York Yankees.

When it comes to the New York Yankees, they have shwon that they are able to bring in the big-name stars. That has helped them win World Series titles over the years. But did they miss out on one of the top stars of the 1990’s and 2000’s?

Barry Bonds appeared on ESPN’s “KayRod Cast” during the New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox game, as Aaron Judge sought to tie the American League’s single season home run record of 61, set by Roger Maris. Host Michael Kay asked Bonds how close he was to signing with the Yankees in the 1992-93 offseason. Bonds revealed that it was close for “about 15 to 20 seconds.”

Barry Bonds reveals how close he was to signing with the Yankees

Bonds said that the Yankees gave him a deadline to agree to a contract, mentioning that the offer given to him was similar to deal Ryne Sandberg had with the Chicago Cubs. Bonds continued, saying that he went to go get lunch, and his agent called him back telling him that the San Francisco Giants offered him a better deal. That is when he agreed to go to the Giants.

In a New York Times article from Jack Curry in 1992, the Yankees offered Bonds $36 million over five years, while he was seeking a six-year deal worth $43 million. The Yankees decided to pull their offer and end negotiations.

Bonds signed a six-year, $43.8 million contract with the Giants. Bonds says in the video above that it was great since he wanted to “go home.” His father, Bobby, played for the Giants from 1968 until 1974. Bonds’ godfather was Bobby’s teammate, the legendary Willie Mays, who spent the majority of his career with the Giants.

If you wanted to know how close the Yankees were to actually signing Bonds in 1992-92, he gave his side of the story on ESPN.