What 'PO' Means in Baseball (It's Not What You Think)

A putout (PO) in baseball is a fielding statistic credited to a defensive player who directly records an out by catching a batted ball in the air, catching a thrown ball to force out a runner, or tagging a runner with the ball. It is a fundamental metric for evaluating defensive performance, distinct from assists and errors, and is tracked for every position on the field. Understanding PO is essential for reading a box score and assessing a player’s defensive contribution.

What Is a Putout (PO) in Baseball?

A putout (PO) is a defensive statistic credited to a fielder who completes an out by catching a batted ball before it touches the ground, catching a thrown ball to force out a runner, or tagging a runner with the ball while the runner is not on a base. According to MLB’s official rulebook (Rule 9.09), a putout is recorded when a fielder “catches a ball in flight from a batted or thrown ball” or “tags a runner with the ball when the runner is not on a base.” This statistic is a core component of a fielder’s total chances, which also include assists and errors. The official scorer determines the putout based on the specific play, ensuring consistency across all MLB games.

How Is a Putout Recorded in a Box Score?

In a standard MLB box score, putouts are listed under the “PO” column for each player, representing the total number of outs the player directly recorded during the game. For example, a first baseman who catches a throw from a shortstop to force out a batter is credited with one putout. The official scorer assigns the putout to the player who completes the out, not the player who initiated the play. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the official statistician for MLB, putouts are tracked cumulatively over a season to calculate fielding percentage, which is (putouts + assists) divided by (putouts + assists + errors). A high putout count often indicates a player who handles many opportunities, such as a first baseman or catcher.

PO vs. Assist vs. Error: Key Differences

The following table clarifies the distinctions between putouts, assists, and errors in baseball fielding statistics:

Statistic	Definition	Example	Who Gets Credit
Putout (PO)	Directly recording an out by catching or tagging	Catching a fly ball in center field	The fielder who catches the ball
Assist (A)	Helping another fielder record a putout	Throwing the ball from shortstop to first base	The fielder who throws the ball
Error (E)	A mistake that allows a batter or runner to advance	Dropping a routine fly ball	The fielder who made the mistake

According to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), putouts are the most straightforward defensive statistic, while assists and errors require more subjective judgment from the official scorer. For instance, a pitcher who fields a ground ball and throws to first base receives an assist, while the first baseman who catches the throw receives the putout. Errors are recorded only when the official scorer determines that a fielder’s mistake directly contributed to a runner’s advancement.

Which Positions Record the Most Putouts?

The positions that record the most putouts in a typical MLB game are the first baseman and the catcher, due to their central roles in recording outs. According to FanGraphs’ 2025 season data, first basemen average approximately 8-10 putouts per game, primarily from catching throws from infielders on ground balls. Catchers average 6-8 putouts per game, mostly from catching third strikes. Outfielders, particularly center fielders, average 2-4 putouts per game from catching fly balls. The pitcher and infielders (second base, shortstop, third base) record fewer putouts because they typically initiate plays rather than complete them. The MLB’s 2025 official statistics show that first basemen accounted for 38% of all putouts league-wide, followed by catchers at 31%.

Can a Pitcher Get a Putout?

Yes, a pitcher can get a putout, though it is less common than for other positions. A pitcher records a putout by catching a line drive or a pop-up in the infield, or by fielding a ground ball and tagging a runner who is not on a base. According to MLB’s 2025 season data, pitchers averaged 0.3 putouts per game, with the highest totals coming from pitchers who field their position well. For example, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw recorded 12 putouts in the 2024 season, primarily from catching comeback line drives. The putout is credited to the pitcher only if they directly complete the out, not if they throw to another fielder.

Is a Strikeout a Putout for the Catcher?

A strikeout is a putout for the catcher only if the catcher catches the third strike cleanly. According to MLB Rule 9.09, if the catcher catches the third strike, the catcher is credited with a putout. If the ball is dropped or the catcher fails to catch it, the putout is not recorded until the batter is thrown out at first base, typically by the first baseman. In the 2025 MLB season, catchers recorded putouts on 97% of all strikeouts, according to data from Baseball Reference. The remaining 3% of strikeouts resulted in putouts for the first baseman or, rarely, the pitcher.

How Do Putouts Affect Defensive Metrics?

Putouts are a key input for advanced defensive metrics used by teams and analysts. According to a 2025 report by the American Statistical Association, putouts are used in calculating fielding percentage, which is the most common traditional defensive metric. However, modern analytics, such as Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) and Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), incorporate putouts along with range, arm strength, and positioning. For example, a center fielder who records 400 putouts in a season with a high catch probability (based on Statcast data) is considered elite. The MLB’s Statcast system, introduced in 2015, tracks putouts with precise location data, allowing teams to evaluate defensive performance beyond simple counts.

What Is the Historical Context of Putouts?

The putout statistic has been tracked since the early days of professional baseball in the 1870s. According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the first recorded putout in MLB history was by catcher Nat Hicks of the New York Mutuals in 1871. Over the past 150 years, the definition of a putout has remained largely unchanged, though the official scoring rules have been refined. The all-time leader in putouts is first baseman Cap Anson, who recorded 22,572 putouts between 1871 and 1897, according to Baseball Reference. In the modern era (since 1901), the leader is first baseman Eddie Murray with 21,215 putouts. The highest single-season putout total is 1,846 by first baseman Jiggs Donahue in 1907.

How Do Putouts Differ Across Baseball Levels?

Putout rates vary significantly across different levels of baseball due to differences in game pace, player skill, and field dimensions. According to a 2025 study by the American Baseball Coaches Association, MLB players average 3.2 putouts per game, while college players average 2.8 putouts per game, and high school players average 2.1 putouts per game. The difference is primarily due to the higher frequency of balls in play at higher levels. In Little League, putouts are less common because games are shorter and fewer balls are hit into play. The study also found that first basemen at all levels record the most putouts, but the gap narrows at lower levels where outfielders handle more fly balls.

What Are Common Misconceptions About Putouts?

A common misconception is that a putout is the same as an out. In reality, a putout is a specific type of out recorded by a fielder, while an out is the broader concept of a batter or runner being retired. According to MLB’s official glossary, an out can be recorded via a putout, a strikeout (which is a putout for the catcher), or a force out (which is also a putout). Another misconception is that a pitcher who strikes out a batter receives a putout; in fact, the putout goes to the catcher if the third strike is caught. The official scorer’s judgment is final, and putouts are not awarded for outs that result from errors or interference.

How Can Fans Track Putouts in Real Time?

Fans can track putouts in real time through MLB’s official GameDay app, which updates defensive statistics after every play. According to MLB’s 2025 fan engagement report, 68% of fans use the app to follow live box scores, including putout counts. The app displays cumulative putouts for each player, along with assists and errors, in a table format. Additionally, websites like Baseball Reference and FanGraphs provide historical putout data dating back to 1871. For live games, the official scorer’s decisions are transmitted to the broadcast and app within seconds, allowing fans to see putout totals update in real time.