[nesn_embed service=springboard src="//cms.springboardplatform.com/embed_iframe/899/video/1550729/nesn039/nesn.com/10"]

Shortstop is the least of the Boston Red Sox's concerns going into 2016.

The Red Sox knew they had a special player coming up through their system, even catching a glimpse of his talent at the major league level during the 2013 World Series and down the stretch in 2014. But Xander Bogaerts took his game to another level in 2015, solidifying a spot in the middle of Boston's infield for the foreseeable future.

Let's go over the Red Sox's shortstop situation, which appears to be etched in stone as Boston heads into an important offseason on the heels of a 78-84 campaign.

2015 at a glance
Bogaerts established himself as a superstar in the making.

Once ranked the No. 2 prospect in Major League Baseball, Bogaerts faced criticism in 2014 for not building on his impressive showing in the 2013 Fall Classic. Some wondered whether he'd ever live up to the hype, especially since he was rattled by the Red Sox signing fellow shortstop Stephen Drew.

Bogaerts silenced any doubts this season by taking a huge step forward. The Aruba native hit .320 with seven home runs, 81 RBIs and a .776 OPS in 156 games. He finished second in the American League behind Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve with 196 hits, and he cut his strikeout total from 138 over 594 plate appearances in 2014 to 101 over 654 plate appearances in 2015.

Perhaps most importantly, Bogaerts excelled defensively, ending any debate over whether his long-term future resides at shortstop or at third base, where he played during the 2013 World Series and while Drew was with the Red Sox in 2014.

Shortstop has been a revolving door for the Red Sox since they traded Nomar Garciaparra at the deadline in 2004. Bogaerts' emergence seemingly ends that decade-long trend, finally giving second baseman Dustin Pedroia a consistent double-play partner to work with.

Whose job to lose?
Bogaerts, for all of the reasons mentioned.

He was durable, consistent and impactful. There even were times when Bogaerts showed a flair for the dramatic, much like he did in 2013, when his poise on the big stage garnered national attention.

The Red Sox could trade Bogaerts, which some called for last offseason when Boston needed an ace. But that would be absolutely foolish, even with the Red Sox still in the market for a legitimate No. 1 starter.

Shortstops like Bogaerts don't come around often. The 23-year-old has the potential to be among the best at the position for a long, long time.

Notable prospects (age on Opening Day)
Javier Guerra, 20
Guerra is coming off a breakout season at Single-A Greenville that saw him shoot up Red Sox prospect rankings. He's now considered the No. 6 prospect in the organization, according to SoxProspects.com.

Guerra had a power surge, launching 15 home runs and totaling 68 RBIs in 116 games with Greenville. Add that to him being named the Red Sox's Minor League Defensive Player of the Year and you have a shortstop prospect who could become even more intriguing as he reaches the higher levels.

Marco Hernandez, 23
Hernandez was named to the Eastern League All-Star Game for his standout performance at Double-A Portland. He took advantage of the opportunity by earning MVP honors in the midseason contest.

Hernandez hit .326 with five home runs, 31 RBIs and an .832 OPS in 68 games with the Sea Dogs. It earned him a promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket, where Hernandez hit .271 with four homers, 22 RBIs and a .709 OPS in 46 games.

Hernandez, who SoxProspects.com lists as the organization's No. 16 prospect, also is considered a strong defensive shortstop.

Mauricio Dubon, 21
Dubon, a native of Honduras, advanced to High-A Salem in 2015. He hit .228 with five homers, 47 RBIs, 30 stolen bases and a .725 OPS between Salem (62 games) and Single-A Greenville (58 games).

Dubon is the Red Sox's No. 17 prospect, according to SoxProspects.com.

Offseason prediction
Bogaerts will take another step forward in 2016 and become an All-Star for the first time.

The Red Sox will take his 2015 production. It was elite by shortstop standards, and he was Boston's best player for a bulk of the season, right alongside nine-time All-Star David Ortiz and fellow up-and-comer Mookie Betts.

But why stop now? Bogaerts' power could increase as he becomes even more comfortable facing big league pitching. It's not unreasonable to think 15-20 homers and 40-plus doubles are in his near future.

Thumbnail photo via Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports Images