How Important Is Defense in Modern Baseball?

[Rhino]

Power hitting and pitching statistics often receive most of the attention, while defensive contributions can be harder for casual fans to notice. How much can elite defense change the outcome of a season, and should defensive ability receive more recognition when evaluating a player's overall value?

[TigerTops]

I think elite defense can have a huge impact, even if it doesn’t get as much attention as home runs or strikeouts. A great defender can save runs, make difficult plays look routine, and give pitchers more confidence. Defensive ability deserves more recognition when looking at a player’s overall value.