Talbot was drafted by the Houston Astros in the second round (70th overall) in the 2002 Major League Baseball draft out of high school. He did not sign immediately and as a result did not begin his professional career until 2003.
In 2005, Talbot was rated to have the best changeup in the Astros' organization by Baseball America. He pitched for Single-A Salem and went 8-11 with a 4.34 ERA. Talbot was the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for the week of July 25 to 31.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
On July 12, 2006, during the All-Star break, Talbot, along with shortstopBen Zobrist were traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for outfielderAubrey Huff. Pitching for two Double-A teams (Corpus Christi and Montgomery), he went a combined 10-7 with a 2.76 ERA. Talbot earned the Devil Rays Minor League pitcher of August after he went 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA and led all of Double-A baseball with 47 strikeouts. He was a member of the Montgomery Biscuits during their 2006 league championship season and was named minorleaguebasell.com's best Double-A playoff performer.
In 2007, Talbot began the year for the Devil Rays' Triple-A team, the Durham Bulls. Talbot was called up to the majors on July 1, 2008. Talbot made his Major League debut on September 15, in relief of Scott Kazmir, and pitched 3 innings, giving up 4 earned runs and striking out two batters while walking three against the Boston Red Sox. Talbot made his first Major League start against the Baltimore Orioles on September 23, 2008, during the second game of a double header and did not figure in the decision. He allowed three earned runs on six hits while walking three and striking out two over 41⁄3 innings.
Cleveland Indians
On December 21, 2009, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians as a player to be named later in the Kelly Shoppach trade.[1]
Talbot was designated for assignment on July 31, 2011, to make room on the 40-man roster for Ubaldo Jiménez.[2] He accepted his assignment and was sent to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers on August 5, 2011.[3]
Talbot was placed on the Indians' roster again on September 24, 2011. He was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus again on October 18. He elected free agency on October 20.
Samsung Lions
On December 1, 2011, Talbot signed with the Samsung Lions of the KBO League. In 25 starts for Samsung, Talbot compiled a 14–3 record and 3.97 ERA with 68 strikeouts across 138+1⁄3 innings pitched.[4] He became a free agent following the 2012 season.
Miami Marlins
On January 23, 2013, Talbot signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.[5] He made three rehab assignments split between the rookie–level Gulf Coast League Marlins and Triple–A New Orleans Zephyrs. Talbot was released by the Marlins organization on August 5.[6]
New York Mets
On August 20, 2013, Talbot signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets organization and was assigned to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s.[7] He became a free agent on November 4.
On June 10, 2016, Talbot announced that he would return to Lamigo Monkeys.[11][12] He became a free agent following the 2016 season.
Sugar Land Skeeters
On May 20, 2017, Talbot signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball In 2017 he appeared in 21 games (19 starts) across 110 innings he went 9-3 with a 3.03 ERA and 108 strikeouts. [13] He re-signed with the team in early 2018 where in 5 starts 28 innings he went 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA and 19 strikeouts.
Cleveland Indians (second stint)
On May 23, 2018, Talbot's contract was purchased by the Cleveland Indians organization.[14] In 18 games (17 starts) for the Triple–A Columbus Clippers, he logged a 4–5 record and 2.52 ERA with 64 strikeouts across 103+2⁄3 innings pitched. Talbot elected free agency following the season on November 2.[15]
On June 5, 2019, Talbot's contract was purchased from the Skeeters by the Cleveland Indians. He was assigned to the Triple–A Columbus Clippers, with whom he logged a 3–3 record and 5.37 ERA with 37 strikeouts across 12 games (11 starts). Talbot elected free agency following the season on November 4.[17]
