Braves take college bat Kuresa in Round 14
The Braves took a chance on power potential with their selection of first baseman Tyler Kuresa with the 433rd overall pick, in the 14th round of the First-Year Player Draft.
Kuresa was the Twins' 11th-round pick in 2010, but chose to attend Oregon. After struggling at the plate as a freshman, he transferred to UC Santa Barbara, forcing him to sit out last season. He rebounded this year, leading the Gauchos with five home runs, 16 doubles and 46 RBIs, but has yet to show the power potential scouts saw in him in high school.
Listed at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Kuresa is strong already and has room to add more muscle. But he will have to adjust his approach to allow him to turn on balls better and unlock his raw power.
Kuresa is a good defender at first base and has an above-average arm. Thanks to his transfer, he has two more years of eligibility.