A five-time All-Star, Fernández was known for his defensive skills, winning four consecutive Gold Glove Awards (1986–1989).

After moving to the National League in a blockbuster trade following the 1990 season, he returned to the Blue Jays in a mid-season trade in 1993, and played a major role in helping the club repeat as World Series champions, batting .333 with nine runs batted in during the series.

[4][6] He played well for the remainder of the season and was instrumental in helping the Blue Jays win the 1993 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

[8] It was because of an injury early in the season to Fernández that Derek Jeter was called up to the major leagues for the first time.

[20] Early in his career, Fernández was well known for his exceptional defensive skills at shortstop, and was described by Ivan Maisel in a Sports Illustrated article as having "the range of a Texas cattleman".

[21] He was especially famous for leaping into the air while simultaneously making an underhanded throw to first base, on balls hit far to his right.

[27] On February 16, 2020, he died at a hospital in Weston, Florida following complications with a stroke, pneumonia, and an induced coma.

[28][29][30][31] His remains were returned home to San Pedro de Macorís and buried in the Municipal Cemetery.