Why Defense Still Wins Championships in Baseball

7 August 2025

Baseball has changed a lot over the decades—home run records get shattered, analytics dominate decision-making, and pitching speeds keep climbing. But one thing remains true: defense still wins championships.

Sure, everyone loves the towering home runs and highlight-reel strikeouts, but when push comes to shove, a solid defense can make or break a team's title dreams. Ever seen a tight playoff game where one defensive miscue decides the outcome? Exactly.

In this article, we'll break down why defense is still the key to winning championships, how it impacts a team's success, and what modern teams are doing to master the art of preventing runs.

The Underrated Importance of Defense

If offense wins games, defense prevents losing them. A great defensive team minimizes mistakes, shuts down scoring opportunities, and saves pitchers from unnecessary wear and tear.

Think about it this way: Would you rather rely on your lineup smashing five homers a night or have a defense that stops opponents from scoring in the first place? Championship teams often prefer the latter.

Defense Keeps Pitchers Fresh

A solid defense is a pitcher's best friend. Imagine being a pitcher with a shaky defense behind you—every ground ball feels like a ticking time bomb.

Now, picture the opposite: a team with gold-glove-caliber defenders making diving stops, turning double plays, and robbing hitters of base hits. Suddenly, a pitcher can focus on hitting their spots, knowing their defense has their back.

A great defensive team shortens innings, reduces pitch counts, and keeps starters in the game longer. And in the postseason, where every pitch matters? That's a game-changer.

The Beauty of Run Prevention

Run prevention is just as valuable as run production. Instead of needing a five-run rally to win, elite defenses can hold opponents to one or two runs and grind out victories.

Take a look at some of the most dominant teams in baseball history—many of them were among the league’s best in defensive efficiency. They didn’t just outslug opponents; they out-defended them.

Defensive Metrics: The New Gold Standard

Gone are the days when defense was judged purely by eye tests and highlight plays. Advanced metrics have changed the game, giving teams a more precise way to measure defensive performance.

Defensive Runs Saved (DRS)

DRS quantifies how many runs a player saves for their team compared to an average fielder. A high DRS score means a player is preventing runs at an elite level, making them invaluable come October.

Outs Above Average (OAA)

Statcast introduced OAA to track how much ground fielders cover. Players with high OAA aren’t just making routine plays—they’re taking away hits and stopping rallies before they start.

Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR)

UZR evaluates a fielder’s range, arm, and ability to turn double plays. It’s a more comprehensive look at how much a defender contributes to run prevention.

Teams obsessed with analytics (looking at you, Rays and Dodgers) use these stats to build championship-caliber defenses.

How Championship Teams Are Built on Defense

While big bats grab headlines, elite defenses quietly fuel deep playoff runs. Let’s check out some recent examples of how defense played a critical role in championship-winning teams.

2016 Chicago Cubs: Turning Grounders into Outs

The 2016 Cubs were built on solid pitching, timely hitting, and elite defense. Their squad finished the season with a staggering +95 Defensive Runs Saved, anchored by defensive wizards like Javier Báez, Addison Russell, and Anthony Rizzo.

In the World Series, their defense was crucial in shutting down Cleveland’s offense, helping end a 108-year championship drought.

2021 Atlanta Braves: Clutch Defensive Performances

The Braves' unexpected World Series run in 2021 wasn’t just about Freddie Freeman and Jorge Soler’s power. Their defense, especially in the outfield, was outstanding.

Eddie Rosario’s incredible catches and Dansby Swanson’s steady play at shortstop kept their pitching staff out of trouble, proving once again that defense wins rings.

2020 Los Angeles Dodgers: Defense + Pitching = Rings

The Dodgers had plenty of offensive firepower, but their defense was just as lethal. Mookie Betts single-handedly took away multiple extra-base hits in the postseason, showing how an elite defender can change the momentum of a series.

Defense in the Modern Game: How Teams Are Adapting

With analytics shaping baseball strategies, teams are prioritizing defense more than ever.

Defensive Shifts and Positioning

Teams use advanced data to position fielders exactly where hitters are likely to make contact. While MLB has adjusted rules on shifting, smart positioning still plays a huge role in limiting offensive production.

Versatile Defenders

Championship teams value defenders who can play multiple positions. Just look at guys like Chris Taylor, Kiké Hernández, and Ben Zobrist—having flexibility in the field is a major asset.

Catching Defense Matters More Than Ever

Elite catchers don’t just control the running game; they also frame pitches, call great games, and work seamlessly with pitchers. Just ask teams who’ve had Yadier Molina, Buster Posey, or J.T. Realmuto—having a defensive-minded catcher can be the backbone of a championship squad.

Why Offense Alone Doesn't Cut It in October

Postseason baseball is a different beast. The power-heavy lineups that mash their way through the regular season sometimes get shut down by elite pitching. And when offense dries up, defense is what keeps teams alive.

When games are tight and every run is critical, teams that can make the big defensive plays and avoid costly errors gain a massive edge.

Just One Error Can Cost a Championship

Remember Bill Buckner’s infamous error in the 1986 World Series? Or how about Daniel Murphy’s miscue for the Mets in 2015? A single defensive mistake can completely flip a series.

Teams that prioritize defense avoid these costly blunders and put themselves in a position to win the close games that define postseason success.

Conclusion: Defense Is and Always Will Be King

Baseball evolves, but one truth remains: defense still wins championships.

While home runs and strikeouts create excitement, solid defense provides stability, prevents runs, and helps teams navigate the pressure of postseason baseball. From legendary dynasties to modern analytical powerhouses, great teams understand that defense is the foundation of winning.

So, next time you watch a highlight-reel diving catch or a perfectly executed double play, remember—that’s championship baseball at its finest.