Hey new thread.
Jinbei is pretty much the only one in the running so far. Luffy even asked him to join; he just deferred the joining for later on. I expect Oda to reveal a little more of his history, maybe his childhood or something? Either way, he's pretty much sold.
And people have been talking about other characters, so here's my thoughts-
Kinemon: No question in my mind, he'll be a traveling ally and no more. He's quirky, hiliarous, and is currently assisting the Straw Hats in the Punk Hazard ordeals….but I can't see him being a pirate. He's more focused on finding his son, even if the Straw Hats proved to be the exeception to his "I hate pirates" attitude (and when have they haven't been?). He hasn't shown to have a goal to see the world or anything like that......Oda will definitely show more of his past later on, but I remain unconvinced.
And this is more of an aesthetic complaint, but the Straw Hat crew is all about diversity. He's honorable (like Zoro and Jinbei), is a dedicated swordsman (like Zoro and Brook), and slightly lecherous (like Sanji and Brook). Three Straw Hats (well, four) share the same key traits as him. And does the crew need another swordsman?
Monet: She's largely a mystery, and….still technically a villain. There's not much personality that's present, and a chapter ago she calmly said she had to carry out her orders or killed by Doflamingo. This recent chapter has her and Caesar saying "yes, sir" on a phone call!
So far she's too similar to Robin's role in Alabasta, a mysterious and calm woman working for the big bad. Only difference, Oda made it clear from the start Robin wasn't 100% loyal to Croc. It's the opposite for Monet.
Even if Oda showed more of her character and gave her a flashback, the jarring similarity to Robin turns me off from accepting her as crew material.
Baby 5: Okay, she interested me in the chapter…...but I refuse to consider her until she's seen more than one chapter. 'Nuff said. There's barely anything to her so far....because she's only been in ONE chapter!
EDIT: And while I would welcome another woman on the crew, I would prefer something more than a pretty face. I've been liking the sarcastic granny idea thrown around, but I wouldn't mind either way the gender of the next crewmate.
/2cents