To me, this panel from Wano says a lot. It's Carrot hugging the newest member of the crew, with Nami and Luffy, two of Oda's favorites. We make editor jokes a lot, and Wano jokes, but Carrot got A LOT of screen time in Whole Cake, especially for such a busy arc. Oda likes Carrot.
Carrot wants to honor Pedro's legacy, but, she's failed so far, because she's focused on revenge. Pedro didn't want her to dedicate her life to killing Perospero. Wanda said Pedro's Will lives on in Carrot more than anyone else, and the Will of Pedro and the Nox Pirates was to bring about the Dawn, by aiding the future Pirate King. Carrot's arc is about her letting go of revenge, and focusing on living her own life, like Luffy/Roger/Pedro. Pedro never tried to get revenge on the Big Mom Pirates: Carrot will learn from his example.
It's possible Carrot doesn't join now, but she will join. Carrot is a great character that means a lot to the story, if her dream is directly tied to the Dawn and Roger, she's going to sail with the Straw Hats again.