Definition: A pickoff is a quick throw from the pitcher (or catcher) to a fielder at a base in an attempt to catch a runner who has wandered too far away. If the fielder tags the runner before they can touch the base, the runner is out.
A pickoff is a defensive move used to keep runners “honest” and prevent them from getting a big head start to steal the next base. Pitchers will often snap a throw to first base suddenly to catch a runner leaning the wrong way. It’s a game of cat-and-mouse; the runner wants a lead to run faster, but the pitcher wants to prove they are watching closely. If the pitcher throws the ball away during a pickoff attempt, it’s an error, and the runner usually gets to move up for free.
Example: The pitcher noticed the runner taking a huge lead off first base and executed a perfect pickoff throw to get the out.
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