People, even if we get anime related Piplup merch (Which we have gotten since the start of journeys), it doesn't really need to point towards something, because here is the thing: Due to BDSP, Project Piplup is a thing, so they are gonna market the thing too death, alongside the 2 franchise mascots Pikachu and Eevee, just like they did with Eevee when Project Eevee was a thing.
Now, Lana did get an Eevee to correlate with Lets Go, so Dawn is most likely gonna come with Piplup to promote BDSP, however, i wouldn't expect a major role for Piplup until at least late October/Early November.