He tied for second in the Southern Conference in wins and led it in innings pitched (120+1⁄3), strikeouts (122), and complete games (four).

He decided to become a professional after his junior year, having finished his collegiate career with the second-most strikeouts (353) of anyone to play at Georgia Southern.

[4] Kansas City promoted Teaford to the major leagues for the first time on May 16, 2011, to replace Vin Mazzaro.

[2] On August 3, 2011, Teaford earned his first major league save in a 6–2 Royals victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Teaford made the Royals' Opening Day roster in 2012, beating out Louis Coleman, and was one of three left-handed relievers to make the team.

He was recalled on July 13 to replace fellow left-handed reliever Donnie Joseph, who had pitched the previous two games.

[6] He made one appearance with Kansas City, and was optioned back to Omaha during the All-Star break, where he finished the year.

[9][10] In 20 games (19 starts) for the Twins, Teaford compiled 5-6 record and 5.24 ERA with 85 strikeouts across 99+2⁄3 innings pitched.

On January 16, 2015, Teaford signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

In January 2018, Teaford joined the Chicago White Sox as a quality control coach to help with player development.