After the trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, it was noted by the "Christian Science Monitor" that Hague was expected to be a key in the Reds' success. On the season with the Reds, Hague batted .246 with 17 runs, 34 hits, seven doubles, one triple, four home runs, and 20 RBIs in 69 games. Hague played in the 1972 National League Championship Series with the Reds and went hitless in one at-bat and two walks. He also played three games in the 1972 World Series, going hitless in three at-bats. Hague returned to the Reds in 1973 and split time between the majors and minors. On June 9, 1973, Hague was placed on the disabled list after suffering a dislocated bone in his right hand. With the Reds that season, Hague batted .152 with two runs, five hits, two doubles, one home run, and one RBI in 19 games. He played 20 games with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians in the minor leagues and batted .203 with 15 hits, and three doubles. On March 28, 1974, Hague was placed on waivers by the Reds and eventually released.