The Red Sox’ shortstop position remains in flux and no doubt it’s a priority for general manager Theo Epstein this offseason.

With Boston declining Alex Gonzalez’s club option last Monday, there are a few different ways the Red Sox can go. It’s still possible they can bring back Gonzalez’s dazzling defensive work for a cheaper contract, or Epstein can sign a free agent, or hope Jed Lowrie is fully healthy in 2010.

While questions remain, the future of the position in Boston could be stable if the scouting reports on Jose Iglesias and Casey Kelly are correct.

The Sox signed Iglesias, a 19-year-old Cuban defector, as an amateur free agent to a four-year deal worth $8.25 million with a $6-million signing bonus in September. He’s playing for the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League and making major strides.

“He’s done remarkably well, considering he hasn’t played in over a year,” Red Sox director of player development Mike Hazen said. “It’s a very high level of baseball out there, and he’s acclimated himself quite well to the league and the level of competition. He’s played hard and has handled himself well.”

The Sox believe Iglesias will gain valuable experience playing in the AFL before his first big-league spring training in 2010. Iglesias entered Thursday’s game with a .269 average, two homers and 11 RBI in 14 games for the Solar Sox. The highly touted prospect is known best for his defense, and Red Sox personnel, along with scouts from other major-league teams, all say Iglesias’ athleticism and skills are evident when you see him play in person.

“He’s a fun player to watch with a lot of energy. He has a clear passion for the game,” Hazen said. “It’s exciting.”

Iglesias comes with greater expectations than most prospects, given the contract he signed and the fact that he’s already on the team’s 40-man roster, while Kelly is not.

“We have to show some patience because he’s only 19 years old,” Red Sox minor-league field coordinator Rob Leary said. “Although he’s played a lot of baseball, he’s going to go through some cultural assimilation on the field as well as off the field. He’s actually going through it right now, and there are times when that youth shows in all different circumstances. I like his skill set. He’s a real live body and high-energy type player. I like the way he goes about the game and he loves to play. He brings a lot of energy.”

By all reports, Iglesias has all the defensive tools to be a full-time major-league shortstop.

He possesses an above-average arm, range and first-step quickness. He has soft hands with strong glove work. Iglesias will get stronger as he grows into his 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame. He has above-average speed running the bases.

“He has a really good feel for the game,” Leary said.

Offensively, his approach is simple. His swing is direct to the ball and has shown power. He has no major flaws when he steps into the batter’s box and once he gets more experience, his offense should improve.

“There’s a lot to like about this kid,” Leary said.

To get an off-field barometer on Iglesias, he is putting in his time to learn English and can already communicate with teammates. Because he’s quickly adjusting to pro baseball and the Red Sox philosophies, he will probably participate in the organization’s Rookie Development Program in January in Boston.

“He’s really eager to learn everything on and off the field,” Leary added.

Iglesias isn’t the only shortstop for the Solar Sox.

Kelly has also been playing the position in the AFL and at some point this winter, Red Sox brass will talk with him about his future as either a shortstop or a pitcher. He’ll have to choose one position; he’s shown ability at both.

During his first pro season, in 2008, Kelly played shortstop and didn’t start to pitch until instructional league that October. In 2009, he split time between short and the mound.

“I had such great success with the pitching and then the second half I got to play shortstop and play every day, so I was able to see it from both sides,” Kelly said. “I had fun doing both.”

Before the Sox’ first pick (30th overall) in the 2008 draft signed a professional contract, Kelly and the Sox brokered a deal in which he would forgo an opportunity to play quarterback for the University of Tennessee if Boston allowed him to play shortstop and pitch. He has split time between the left side of the infield and the mound for the last two seasons. But now it’s almost time to choose one or the other.

“Whatever I want to do in my heart,” he said. “I’ve followed that since the beginning when I was drafted and could have played football at Tennessee, but I followed what I wanted to do with my heart and I think I’ll do the same with this decision.”

Prior to the trade deadline July 31, the Red Sox were in talks with the Blue Jays to acquire veteran pitcher Roy Halladay. Toronto wanted a slew of prospects in return, including Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard and Kelly, but the Sox would not part with Kelly, and so the deal never happened. Many talent evaluators for the Sox believe Kelly could become a Halladay-type pitcher.

“I love the Red Sox and this is a world-class organization,” Kelly said. “I’m glad to still be with them.”

jmcdonal@projo.com