Reynolds grabbed Ricky Castillo at 41/1 after the rookie logged a solo 5th at last week’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson and a T-18 in the Zurich team event. Castillo rates 5th in this week’s field (22nd on TOUR) in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green, giving him one of the best ball-striking floors among the alternates. Reynolds expects that profile to travel to The Dunes, where tight landing areas reward precise iron play far more than putting prowess.

Castillo is Sobel’s conservative top-40 play (market to be posted). The long-hitting rookie has cashed top-40s in two of his last four solo starts—and three of five if you include the Zurich team event—showing a pattern of steady acclimation to PGA setups. Sobel chose Castillo over similar profile Rico Hoey because Castillo’s putter has flashed while Hoey’s remains a liability in the low-score environment expected at Craig Ranch.

Pat Fitzmaurice tossed a small outright on William Mouw and Ricky Castillo at 80‑1, arguing the market is discounting their long‑term ceiling. Both Californians were elite amateurs (multiple Walker Cup appearances) and have already banked Korn Ferry wins. Fitzmaurice said that if this pairing tees it up in 2029, the price is likely sub‑30‑1, so he’s buying early. Castillo’s streaky putter pairs well with Mouw’s controlled ball‑striking, and he likes that neither carries the pressure of PGA Tour status yet, allowing them to free‑wheel in best‑ball sessions. It’s a pure upside swing on talent before sportsbooks fully adjust.

Pat Perry named Ricky Castillo as his top 20 betting bomb at +450 odds, despite acknowledging the weak selection within the longer odds range. Castillo stood out as Perry's preferred high-risk, high-reward betting option, particularly given the slim alternative choices available in that betting segment of the Valero Texas Open.

Shane Bacon identified Ricky Castillo as an intriguing sleeper pick for the Texas Children's Houston Open, noting Castillo's solid T12 finish at the Valspar Championship despite a sluggish final round. Castillo's steady performance throughout the season combined with recent uptick in play makes him a value play against tough competition. Bacon felt Castillo's form suggests he's trending upward, especially given his attractive odds, making him a valuable under-the-radar DFS or betting option this week.

Eric Polzin sees value in Ricky Castillo as a DFS play following his standout top-12 finish last week. While Castillo typically hovers around made cut line without major upside lately, his recent strong showing highlights solid statistical fit and momentum, suggesting potential carryover success into the Houston Open at his affordable DFS price.