Complete BS. They’re both important. The whole “this one team pitching/defense team can’t win so therefore no pitching defense team can” is just false. Toronto last year proves its possible.
4 teams in MLB are in the top 5 in runs scored and fewest runs allowed - NYY, LAD, MIL and ATL. Clearly the best teams.
If we look at the 5 top scoring teams not counting these 4 (WSN, PIT, MIN, BAL, CHC), theyre combined record is 197-202. If we look at the top 5 run preventers (SD, CLE, SEA, DET, TEX) not counting these 4 (and Boston, since we want outside info), their combined record is 195-203. Nearly identical. Leaving in Boston and taking out Texas, the run preventers are 189-297. Only slightly worse.
Pitching and defense make for less exciting televised baseball, but are just as critical for winning as hitting. But the teams excelling this year are excelling at both. And teams that excel at one tend to be mediocre…