What is a bunt in baseball?

A bunt in baseball is a type of hit where the batter holds the bat in a stationary position and lightly taps the ball into play. The goal of a bunt is to advance a baserunner or to surprise the defense with a quick hit that may lead to a base hit. Bunting requires quick reflexes and precision, as the batter must make contact with the ball at the right angle and speed to place it in a spot where the defense will have difficulty making a play. Bunting is often used by speedy players or in situations when a base hit is essential, such as with a runner on third base and less than two outs. However, bunting has become less common in modern baseball due to changes in strategies and defensive alignments.