Fernandez, a star pitcher for the Marlins, died early Sunday in the accident at Miami Beach. He was 24. The Wrigley Field marquee read, "Jose Fernandez 1992-2016," and the Cubs had a moment of silence before their game against the Cardinals on Sunday night.
"Since we were kids, I knew he had something; he had a talent," Soler said. "He was very impressive."
Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman first met Fernandez in 2011 when he signed with the Marlins.
"He was always happy," Chapman said of his countryman. "He always gave 100 percent when he was on the field.