There has been a lot of talk about the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians, but Justin Verlander wants to remind people that the Houston Astros are still the cream of the American League.

"I think the American League goes through us," Verlander said of the World Series champions.

"Obviously, the old saying, 'To be the best, you've got to beat the best,' and I think we proved we were last year," he added. "This is a new year. Bottom line. Everybody's entitled to their opinion. Everybody in this locker room thinks we have a championship-caliber team here. We're not resting on any laurels. Everybody is excited to get back to work and excited for a good 2018."

In addition to their returning core, the Astros traded for Gerrit Cole earlier this offseason.