What is a "force out" in baseball?

A "force out" occurs when a runner is required to advance to the next base because the batter has become a runner, thus forcing the runner ahead to vacate their occupied base. In this scenario, the defensive team can get the out by simply having a player touch the base before the forced runner arrives, rather than needing to tag the runner directly. This rule is an essential part of the game because it creates dynamic situations where runners must stay alert and be ready to move when a new batter comes to the plate.

The other options refer to different aspects of the game: tagging a player out before they reach the base pertains to a straightforward tag out, while being caught in a fly ball refers to a "catch" which results in an out, and intentionally missing a base is a violation rather than a standard play. Understanding "force out" in context allows players and spectators alike to better grasp the strategic elements of baseball.