Xander Bogaerts has the makings of a Red Sox lifer

Xander Bogaerts is open to signing an extension with the Red Sox, and he’s the kind of player fans would like to keep around for the long haul.

Other than veteran second baseman Dustin Pedroia, no member of the Boston Red Sox is more tenured than shortstop Xander Bogaerts.

Red Sox fans remember Bogaerts when he was just a 21-year-old kid, trying to make it with the big club as they made their run to the 2013 World Series. Primarily manning third base at that time, Bogaerts made the move to shortstop shortly after, and has essentially become a staple at Fenway Park at the position.

It’s not often that you see a player spend his entire career with one team, but Bogaerts has the makings of someone that could potentially become a Red Sox “lifer.” At only 26 years old, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Bogaerts at shortstop for the Red Sox for the next 10 years or so.

Derek Jeter was synonymous with the shortstop position at Yankee Stadium for almost 20 years, and now Bogaerts has a chance to do that at Fenway Park. I’m not insinuating that Bogaerts’ career will live up to the Hall of Fame standards that Jeter set in New York, but he’s a darn good shortstop nonetheless, and Boston fans love him like he’s one of their own.

Having won two World Series titles with the Red Sox, and with his current contract expiring after the 2019 season, Bogaerts is open to signing an extension — something Sox fans would welcome with open arms.

“I mean sure, I enjoy my time here,” Bogaerts said, via WEEI.com. “We have something special going on right now, for the last couple years now, and I think I’ve been a part of it since it started. The Red Sox have treated me and my family amazing so far. We’ll see what happens.”

Last year, Bogaerts hit .288 with 23 home runs and 103 RBIs. He might not scream superstar to a national audience like the Mike Trouts and Bryce Harpers of the world, but fans who watch him every day appreciate the heart and grittiness that he consistently brings to the ballpark.

Bogaerts still has most of his career ahead of him, and things can certainly change down the road. But he’s the kind of player that fans want to have around for the long haul.

Being a lifer with one team is a rare accomplishment in today’s world of sports. If Bogaerts is willing to play his entire career — or at least most of it — in Boston, you can bet the city would be all for it.